| Dec. 3, 2024 |
Merzlikins will tend twine against the Flames on Tuesday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site relays. - Merzlikins has won back-to-back games and is 6-0-1 over his last seven starts. This comes after the Latvian netminder won just two of his first eight appearances of the 2024-25 campaign. It'll be Merzlikins' second matchup against the Flames in four days -- the 30-year-old made 27 saves on 29 shots in a 5-2 win over Calgary on Friday. Merzlikins' opponent Tuesday ranks 28th in the league with 2.52 goals per game through 25 contests. |
None |
| Dec. 1, 2024 |
Merzlikins will defend the road net versus the Blackhawks on Sunday, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins is coming off a 27-save performance in Friday's 5-2 victory over Calgary. He has won five of his last six outings, surrendering 19 goals on 170 shots. Merzlikins has a 7-5-2 record with one shutout, a 3.07 GAA and an .893 save percentage through 14 appearances this season. Chicago sits 30th in the league with 2.48 goals per game in 2024-25. |
None |
| Nov. 29, 2024 |
Merzlikins is expected to start at home Friday versus Calgary, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins has a 6-5-2 record, 3.15 GAA and .890 save percentage in 13 appearances this season. He's struggled recently, allowing at least four goals in each of his past three starts. Daniil Tarasov is unavailable due to an illness, so Jet Greaves, who was recalled from AHL Cleveland, will serve as the backup goaltender. Calgary has a solid 12-7-4 record, though the Flames have been underwhelming offensively, ranking 26th with 2.57 goals per game. |
None |
| Nov. 27, 2024 |
Merzlikins will serve as the starting goaltender for Wednesday's home game against the Canadiens, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has started in the Blue Jackets' last three games, posting a 3-0-0 record, 3.35 GAA and .884 save percentage during that time. While he's picked up some lucky wins over that stretch, he'll attempt to remain in the win column while facing the Canadiens, who have averaged 2.76 goals per game this season. |
None |
| Nov. 23, 2024 |
Merzlikins will be between the home pipes versus Carolina on Saturday, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins has won three straight games to boost his record to 5-5-1. The 30-year-old has a 3.02 GAA and an .895 save percentage in 11 appearances this season. He will have a tough matchup versus a Carolina team that ranks third in the league with 3.89 goals per game. |
None |
| Nov. 21, 2024 |
Merzlikins will start Thursday's home game against the Lightning, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has been effective across his last two starts, posting a 2-0-0 record, 1.50 GAA and .942 save percentage in games against the Penguins and Bruins. The 30-year-old will attempt to keep his momentum up Thursday but will face a tough test against the Lightning, who rank seventh in the league with 3.53 goals per game. |
None |
| Nov. 19, 2024 |
Merzlikins made 28 saves in Monday's 5-1 win over the Bruins. - He lost his shutout bid in the second period on a Boston power play, but Merzlikins otherwise gave the home squad no chance to mount a comeback after Columbus jumped out to an early lead. The 30-year-old netminder is showing flashes of the form he displayed early in his career but is still searching for consistency -- Elvis has allowed two goals or less in five of his 10 starts but four goals or more in four outings, leaving him with a 2.72 GAA and .905 save percentage to go along with a 4-5-1 record. |
None |
| Nov. 18, 2024 |
Merzlikins will get the starting nod on the road against Boston on Monday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has won just once in his last five outings, posting a 1-3-1 record to go with a 3.60 GAA in that span. Historically, the Latvian backstop has put up decent numbers versus Boston, going 2-2-2 with a .924 save percentage and one shutout in six career matchups. Perhaps he can celebrate Latvian Independence Day with a victory. |
None |
| Nov. 16, 2024 |
Merzlikins stopped 21 of 23 shots in Friday's 6-2 win over the Penguins. - Merzlikins snapped a four-game winless skid Friday with a solid performance between the pipes. He went 0-3-1 with a 3.99 GAA and a disappointing .872 save percentage during that winless skid, but Merzlikins will hope to continue the turnaround in his next start. The Blue Jackets have scheduled Daniil Tarasov to face the Canadiens on Saturday, so Merzlikins could return to defend Columbus' crease against Boston on Monday. |
None |
| Nov. 15, 2024 |
Merzlikins will defend the home crease versus Pittsburgh on Friday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins is 2-5-1 with one shutout, a 3.03 GAA and an .896 save percentage this season for the lowly Blue Jackets. He has started six of the previous eight games ahead of Friday's tilt. The Penguins are averaging 2.72 goals, 21st in the NHL. |
None |
| Nov. 12, 2024 |
Merzlikins will be between the pipes for Tuesday's road contest versus the Kraken, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins will make his eighth start of the season against a Seattle club that's put up 2.87 goals per game through 15 contests. The Latvian netminder is 0-2-1 over his last three appearances, and he's conceded 12 goals during that span. Prior to that three-game stretch, Merzlikins had allowed one goal combined over two games in back-to-back wins, so he makes for a risky play for fantasy managers due to his inconsistency. |
None |
| Nov. 9, 2024 |
Merzlikins will defend the visiting crease in LA on Saturday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins is off to a nice start this season, as he is 2-3-1 with a 2.69 GAA and a .910 save percentage. That is miles better than his previous two campaigns in which he combined for a 3.77 GAA and an .889 save percentage across 71 appearances. The Kings have averaged 3.27 goals this season. |
None |
| Nov. 5, 2024 |
Merzlikins will be in net for Tuesday's road matchup with San Jose, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins had his worst performance of the 2024-25 campaign Friday -- he allowed six goals on 44 shots in a loss to Winnipeg. Through five appearances, the Latvian netminder is up to a 2-3-0 record, .907 save percentage and 2.86 GAA. The Sharks sit 28th in the NHL with 2.46 goals per game over 13 contests. |
None |
| Nov. 1, 2024 |
Merzlikins will tend the twine in Friday's home game against the Jets, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins is riding a two-game winning streak during which he has given up just one goal on 58 shots (.983 save percentage). While that streak does include a win over the Oilers, Friday's matchup will likely be the 30-year-old backstop's toughest test of the season, as he squares off with a Winnipeg team that is scoring a league-high 4.60 goals per game. With a back-to-back on the schedule, look for Daniil Tarasov to guard the cage on the road versus Washington on Saturday. |
None |
| Oct. 31, 2024 |
Merzlikins made 26 saves in Wednesday's 2-0 win over the Islanders. - It's the first shutout of the season for Merzlikins, and after a few rough years the 30-year-old netminder may be slowly regaining his confidence while working behind the tighter defensive structure of new head coach Dean Evason. Merzlikins has won two straight starts, allowing just one goal on 58 shots, and he's building a case to break out of a timeshare with Daniil Tarasov and reclaim the No. 1 job for the Blue Jackets. |
None |
| Oct. 30, 2024 |
Merzlikins is expected to start in Wednesday's home game against the Islanders, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. - Merzlikins is getting the opportunity to start in consecutive games after stopping 31 of 32 shots en route to a 6-1 victory over Edmonton on Monday. He's in a good position to build off that recent success against the Islanders, who are tied for 30th offensively with just 2.33 goals per game. Merzlikins has a record of 1-2-0 with a 2.76 GAA and a .900 save percentage across three outings overall in 2024-25. |
None |
| Oct. 29, 2024 |
Merzlikins made 31 saves in Monday's 6-1win over the Oilers. - The 30-year-old goalie nearly came away with a shutout as well as his first win of the season, but Mattias Ekholm snuck home a power-play tally inside the final minute of the third period. It was Merzlikins' first action since Oct. 15, as Daniil Tarasov has taken over the top spot in the Columbus crease in the early going, but the duo could slip back into a timeshare if Elvis keeps performing well. |
None |
| Oct. 28, 2024 |
Merzlikins patrol the home crease Monday against Edmonton, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. - Merzlikins' return to the crease will end Daniil Tarasov's streak of four consecutive starts. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has surrendered seven goals on 48 shots in two appearances this campaign. Edmonton is coming off a 3-2 overtime win over Detroit on Sunday. |
None |
| Oct. 22, 2024 |
Merzlikins is healthy after tending to a lower-body issue and will backup Daniil Tarasov against Toronto on Tuesday, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins hasn't played since Oct. 15 against Florida, in which he allowed four goals on 22 shots in a 4-3 loss. The Latvian netminder is 0-2-0 with an .854 save percentage and a 3.68 GAA through two appearances. The 30-year-old's next chance to draw a start will come Saturday against Nashville. |
None |
| Oct. 19, 2024 |
Merzlikins (upper body) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's home game versus Minnesota, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has a record of 0-2-0 with a 3.68 GAA and an .854 save percentage in two appearances in 2024-25. Daniil Tarasov is expected to start Saturday while Jet Greaves will serve as the understudy. |
None |
| Oct. 16, 2024 |
Merzlikins made 18 saves in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Florida. - It wasn't a great night for Merzlikins, as he lost his shape and positioning on the first two Panthers goals, but he played well enough down the stretch that the Blue Jackets had a chance to tie it up when he was pulled for an extra attacker late. The 30-year-old is seeing fewer pucks thanks to the defensive system installed by new coach Dean Evason, but as yet Merzlikins isn't taking advantage, going 0-2-0 in his first two starts of the season with an .854 save percentage. |
None |
| Oct. 15, 2024 |
Merzlikins will be between the pipes for Tuesday's home matchup against the Panthers, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins will make his second appearance of the season -- he stopped 23 of 26 shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Wild. The 30-year-old will face a Panthers squad that has scored just over three goals per game (3.25) through four regular-season contests. Merzlikins will look to find the form he had in his first NHL campaign -- his .923 save percentage and 2.35 GAA from that season are both career-bests. |
None |
| Oct. 11, 2024 |
Merzlikins gave up three goals on 26 shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Wild. - Merzlikins was defeated once in each period, and there's nothing he could've done to avoid any of the goals he conceded. This wasn't the start of the season the 30-year-old would've wanted, though wins will certainly be hard to come by while guarding the net of a Blue Jackets team likely to struggle in 2024-25. Merzlikins will aim to secure his first win of the season Saturday on the road against the Avalanche. |
None |
| Oct. 10, 2024 |
Merzlikins will get the starting nod on the road against the Wild on Thursday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has reached the 20-win mark in just one of his five NHL seasons and likely will struggle to get to that threshold this year as well. If the 30-year-old backstop continues to underwhelm, he could see Daniil Tarasov stealing starts away from him down the stretch. |
None |
| Oct. 4, 2024 |
Merzlikins turned aside 21 of 23 shots in Thursday's 3-1 preseason loss to the Penguins. - The Blue Jackets grabbed an early lead, but Merzlikins couldn't make it stick, getting beaten by Valtteri Puustinen in the second period and Johnny Gruden in the third before Pittsburgh tacked on an empty-netter. The 30-year-old is expected to split goaltending duties with Daniil Tarasov this season, and while wins will likely be hard to come by, tighter defensive play by Columbus under new head coach Dean Evason could result in Merzllikins improving upon the 3.45 GAA and .897 save percentage he managed in 2023-24. |
None |
| Oct. 3, 2024 |
Merzlikins will start at home versus the Penguins in Thursday's preseason game, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins is set for his third preseason start after allowing three goals on 50 shots over his first two outings. He won both of those games. Merzlikins' strong preseason is giving him a good chance to begin 2024-25 as the Blue Jackets' No. 1 goalie. |
None |
| Sept. 28, 2024 |
Merzlikins will protect the home goal in a preseason game versus the Sabres on Saturday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins stopped all 19 shots he faced in his preseason debut Wednesday versus the Sabres. The 30-year-old will face a youthful version of the Sabres' lineup, as the team's veterans are all in Europe in preparation for the NHL Global Series, so Merzlikins should put in another strong performance Saturday. |
None |
| Sept. 25, 2024 |
Merzlikins will guard the home goal in Wednesday's preseason game versus the Blues, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins will be making his preseason debut in this contest. The 30-year-old goalie had another rough campaign in 2023-24, posting a 3.45 GAA and an .897 save percentage while going 13-17-8 over 41 appearances. Due to his $5.4 million cap hit, Merzlikins is projected to be the Blue Jackets' top goalie to begin this season. |
None |
| April 16, 2024 |
Merzlikins (lower body) will serve as the backup to Jet Greaves on Tuesday at home against Carolina, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. - Merzlikins had a disappointing season but didn't get much help from his offense all year. The 30-year-old recorded an .897 save percentage and a 13-17-8 record in 41 appearances. He will likely serve as Columbus' No. 1 goalie next season. |
None |
| April 7, 2024 |
Merzlikins (lower body) will not be available Sunday against Carolina. - Merzlikins has now been out for four consecutive games and the team hasn't provided much of an update beyond his day-to-day designation on April 1. The 29-year-old is 1-4-1 with an .860 save percentage over his last six appearances. Malcolm Subban will start Sunday while Jet Greaves dresses as the backup. |
None |
| April 5, 2024 |
Merzlikins (lower body) will not play Saturday versus the Flyers, Coby Maeir of 1st Ohio Battery reports. - Merzlikins will miss his third straight game. The Blue Jackets also lost Daniil Tarasov (upper body) in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Islanders and may need to recall Malcolm Subban from the minors to back up Jet Greaves, if Tarasov is unable to go. Merzlikins is 13-17-8 with a 3.45 GAA and an .897 save percentage in 41 appearances this season. |
None |
| April 4, 2024 |
Merzlikins (lower body) will miss his second straight game Thursday. - Merzlikins will not dress against the Islanders as Daniil Tarasov will get the call in net, with Jet Greaves as his backup. Merzlikins is 13-17-8 with a 3.45 GAA and an .897 save percentage in 41 contests this season. Consider him day-to-day and he could return as early as Saturday against the Flyers. |
None |
| April 1, 2024 |
Merzlikins is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury and won't play Monday versus the Avalanche, Coby Maeir of 1st Ohio Battery reports. - With Merzlikins unavailable, Daniil Tarasov will likely get the nod against Colorado with Jet Greaves serving as his backup. Merzlikins, who's gone 13-17-8 while posting a 3.45 GAA and an .897 save percentage through 41 appearanes this season, will be reevaluated ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Islanders. |
None |
| March 30, 2024 |
Merzlikins will be between the home pipes versus Pittsburgh on Saturday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins will attempt to snap a five-game winless streak (0-4-1), and he has given up six goals in each of his last three games. He's 12-17-8 with a 3.47 GAA and an .897 save percentage this season. Merzlikins' recent struggles have opened the door for Daniil Tarasov to take over the starting job in Columbus. The Penguins average 2.92 goals per game, 23rd in the NHL. |
None |
| March 26, 2024 |
Merzlikins will defend the road net Tuesday versus Arizona, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins has allowed 17 goals on 119 shots during his four-game winless slump. In 39 games this season, he has provided a 12-16-8 record with a 3.40 GAA and an .899 save percentage. The Coyotes sit 24th in the league this campaign with 2.89 goals per contest. |
None |
| March 22, 2024 |
Merzlikins will get the starting nod on the road against Colorado on Friday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has not been sharp in two of his last three starts, giving up three goals on four shots in Montreal on Mar. 12 and allowing six goals on 27 shots to Winnipeg on Sunday. Overall, Merzlikins is 12-15-8 with a 3.33 GAA and a .900 save percentage. He has another tough matchup as the Avalanche lead the NHL with 258 goals in 69 games. |
None |
| March 17, 2024 |
Merzlikins will patrol the home crease Sunday against Winnipeg, according to Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch. - Merzlikins is coming off a 35-save effort in Thursday's 3-2 shootout loss to Ottawa. He has compiled a 12-14-8 record this season with a 3.25 GAA and a .903 save percentage over 37 games played. The Jets rank 17th in the league with 3.09 goals per contest this campaign. |
None |
| March 15, 2024 |
Merzlikins turned aside 35 shots in regulation and overtime and one of three shootout attempts during Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Senators. - Looking to bounce back from an early hook Tuesday in Montreal, Merzlikins was sharp to begin the game and took a shutout into the third period. The Sens were able to tie it up before the final horn though, and the 29-year-old couldn't come up with stops on Tim Stutzle or Claude Giroux in the shootout. Merzlikins has given up more than three goals in a start only once since the All-Star break, but his 3.35 GAA and .900 save percentage over that stretch are far from ideal, especially in comparison to Daniil Tarasov's numbers (2.49 GAA, .928 save percentage in eight outings) during that same period. While Columbus still hasn't given up on Merzlikins and his contract would be tough to move in a trade over the offseason, at the moment, Tarasov appears to be the team's clear No. 1 netminder. |
None |
| March 14, 2024 |
Merzlikins will be between the home pipes versus Ottawa on Thursday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins started Tuesday in Montreal, but he was pulled just 5:48 into the first period after giving up three goals on four shots . Merzlikins is 12-14-7 with a 3.29 GAA and a .901 save percentage in 2023-24. He will face the Senators, who are averaging 32.3 shots, ninth in the NHL. |
None |
| March 13, 2024 |
Merzlikins stopped only one of four shots before being replaced by Daniil Tarasov early in the first period during Tuesday's 3-0 loss to the Canadiens. - The Blue Jackets came out completely flat, and Merzlikins couldn't be faulted on any of the three pucks that beat him -- two came on deflections, and the third was scored on a Montreal power play. Nonetheless, the 29-year-old netminder got the hook less than six minutes into the game as coach Pascal Vincent tried to wake up his club. Merzlikins hadn't started a game since Mar. 2 prior to Tuesday as Columbus takes a longer look at Tarasov, and given the latter's perfect performance in relief, that workload split doesn't seem likely to change much. In eight outings since the All-Star break, Merzlikins is 3-4-0 with a 3.61 GAA and .892 save percentage. |
None |
| March 12, 2024 |
Merzlikins will defend the road net Tuesday against Montreal, per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch. - Merzlikins has won two of his past three outings, stopping 90 of 96 shots during that span. In 35 appearances this season, he has a 12-13-7 record with a 3.21 GAA and a .904 save percentage. Montreal ranks 27th in the league this campaign with 2.75 goals per contest. |
None |
| March 7, 2024 |
Merzlikins (upper body) is good to dress as the backup goaltender for Thursday's game against Edmonton. - Merzlikins has a 12-13-7 record, 3.21 GAA and .904 save percentage in 35 appearances in 2023-24. Daniil Tarasov is expected to start Thursday, but Merzlikins might play between the pipes Saturday against Nashville. |
None |
| March 5, 2024 |
Merzlikins (upper body) won't be in the lineup Tuesday versus the Penguins, per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch. - Merzlikins, who is considered day-to-day, will miss his second straight contest. Jet Greaves will get the second half of Columbus' back-to-back against Pittsburgh after Daniil Tarasov played in Monday's 6-3 win over Vegas. Merzlikins has a 12-13-7 record this season with a 3.21 GAA and a .904 save percentage in 35 appearances. |
None |
| March 3, 2024 |
Merzlikins is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury. - Merzlikins probably won't be available Monday against Vegas because the Blue Jackets brought up Jet Greaves from AHL Cleveland on an emergency basis Sunday. The 29-year-old Merzlikins has a 12-13-7 record this season with a 3.21 GAA and a .904 save percentage over 35 appearances. |
None |
| March 2, 2024 |
Merzlikins will be in the visiting net in Chicago on Saturday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has looked good in his last two starts, going 1-1-0 while giving up only four goals on 68 shots. Overall, the 29-year-old netminder is 11-13-7 with a 3.25 GAA and a .903 save percentage over 34 appearances this season. Merzlikins will face a Blackhawks team that has averaged a league-worst 2.03 goals per game this campaign. |
None |
| Feb. 28, 2024 |
Merzlikins will get the starting nod on the road against the Rangers on Wednesday, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - Merzlikins went 3-2-0 with a 2.99 GAA in his last six outings and will continue to see the bulk of the workload moving forward. Having said that, with the Blue Jackets entering a back-to-back, fantasy players can expect to see Daniil Tarasov between the pipes at home against the Hurricanes on Thursday. |
None |
| Feb. 25, 2024 |
Merzlikins will protect the home net Sunday versus the Rangers, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins has gone 2-2-0 in his past four starts, stopping 112 of 123 shots during that span. Over 32 games played this campaign. he has posted a 10-12-7 record with one shutout, a 3.33 GAA and a .900 save percentage. The Rangers rank ninth in the league with 3.34 goals per contest this season. |
None |
| Feb. 22, 2024 |
Merzlikins allowed two goals on two shots in a 7-4 win over Anaheim on Wednesday. - Merzlikins entered the game late in the second period following an injury to Daniil Tarasov. The 29-year-old netminder would subsequently allow a pair of goals on the only two shots he faced in the final 3:55 of the frame before Tarasov returned to start the third. It certainly wasn't the ideal outing for Merzlikins after he allowed five goals in a loss to the Kings on Tuesday. Overall, he's 10-12-7 on the season with a .900 save percentage and 3.33 GAA. |
None |
| Feb. 20, 2024 |
Merzlikins will defend the road net Tuesday versus the Kings, per Blue Jackets' broadcaster Dylan Tyrer. - Merzlikins is coming off a 28-save effort in Saturday's 4-3 win over San Jose. He has provided a 10-11-7 record this campaign with one shutout, a 3.21 GAA and a .904 save percentage through 30 games played. The Kings sit 16th in the league with 3.09 goals per contest this season. |
None |
| Feb. 18, 2024 |
Merzlikins stopped 28 of 31 shots in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Sharks. - Merzlikins gave up two goals to Anthony Duclair and one to Fabian Zetterlund, but the Blue Jackets were able to steal a regulation win with Boone Jenner's tally late in the third period. This was Merzlikins' third win over his last four games, a span in which he's allowed nine goals. The 29-year-old is at 10-11-7 with a 3.21 GAA and a .904 save percentage through 30 appearances. The Blue Jackets will wrap up their road trip with a back-to-back versus the Kings on Tuesday and the Ducks on Wednesday, which likely means Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov will split the next two starts. |
None |
| Feb. 17, 2024 |
Merzlikins is expected to start on the road against San Jose on Saturday, per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch. - Merzlikins stopped 33 of 36 shots in a 4-2 loss to Tampa Bay in his previous start last Saturday. He's 9-11-7 with a 3.21 GAA and a .904 save percentage in 29 outings this season. The Sharks typically don't give netminders much trouble, ranking 31st offensively with 2.11 goals per game. |
None |
| Feb. 10, 2024 |
Merzlikins will defend the home crease versus Tampa Bay on Saturday, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. - Merzlikins picked up his first shutout of the season in his last outing, stopping 21 shots in a 1-0 victory over St. Louis. He is 9-10-7 with a 3.22 GAA and a .903 save percentage, a marked improvement from last season's disastrous 4.23 GAA and .876 save percentage. Merzlikins will face the Lightning, who are scoring 3.40 goals per game, ninth in the league. |
None |
| Jan. 30, 2024 |
Merzlikins will guard the road goal Tuesday versus the Blues, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has surrendered 13 goals on 90 shots during his three-game winless skid. He has provided a record of 8-10-7 this season with a 3.35 GAA and a .901 save percentage over 27 appearances. St. Louis is tied for 24th in the league with 2.90 goals per contest this campaign. |
None |
| Jan. 27, 2024 |
Merzlikins will defend the road net Saturday against the Canucks, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins has lost his past two starts, surrendering eight goals on 57 shots during that span. He has posted a record of 8-10-6 this season with a 3.29 GAA and a .903 save percentage through 26 appearances. Vancouver ranks second in the league this campaign with 3.77 goals per contest. |
None |
| Jan. 23, 2024 |
Merzlikins will guard the road goal Tuesday against Edmonton, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins will face another tough opponent following his 28-save effort in Friday's 4-1 loss to New Jersey. He has gone 8-9-6 this season with a 3.26 GAA and a .905 save percentage through 25 games played. The Oilers rank fourth in the league this campaign with 3.50 goals per contest. |
None |
| Jan. 19, 2024 |
Merzlikins turned aside 28 of 32 shots in a 4-1 loss to New Jersey on Friday. - Merzlikins allowed all four goals on 13 shots in the second period. With this setback, he's fallen to 8-9-6 with a 3.26 GAA and a .905 save percentage in 25 appearances in 2023-24. Merzlikins was playing for his second straight game after making 27 saves in a 4-3 shootout win over Vancouver on Monday. However, the Blue Jackets are likely to go back to Daniil Tarasov for Tuesday's road game against Edmonton after this poor showing from Merzlikins. |
None |
| Jan. 17, 2024 |
Merzlikins is expected to start in Friday's home game against New Jersey, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports Wednesday. - Merzlikins saved 27 of 30 shots en route to a 4-3 shootout win over Vancouver on Monday. He has an 8-8-6 record, 3.22 GAA and .906 save percentage in 24 outings in 2023-24. The Devils rank seventh offensively this year with 3.46 goals per game, so this will be a challenging matchup for Merzlikins. |
None |
| Jan. 15, 2024 |
Merzlikins allowed three goals on 30 shots in Monday's 4-3 shootout win against the Canucks. - It was the 29-year-old Latvian goaltender's first start since Dec. 29, as he had been sidelined due to an illness. Merzlikins did a decent job, allowing just two even-strength goals and one on the power play. He saved the best for last, however, stopping all four attempts by the Canucks in the shootout. He and the Jackets will look to carry over the momentum into Friday's game against the Devils. |
None |
| Jan. 14, 2024 |
Merzlikins will protect the home goal against Vancouver on Monday, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins will play for the first time since leaving a 6-5 overtime win over Toronto on Dec. 29 after the first period due to an illness. He has been a healthy scratch or the backup goalie in the team's past five contests. Through 23 games played this season, he has posted a 7-8-6 record with a 3.25 GAA and a .907 save percentage. The Canucks rank first in the league this campaign with 3.84 goals per contest. |
None |
| Jan. 1, 2024 |
Merzlikins (illness) was back on the ice for Monday's practice, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - Merzlikins missed Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to Buffalo after leaving Friday's 6-5 OT win over Toronto after the first period. It appears as though he will be available for Tuesday's home matchup against the Bruins. Daniil Tarasov (illness) didn't practice Monday, so Spencer Martin could be Columbus' other option to start against Boston. |
None |
| Dec. 30, 2023 |
Merzlikins (illness) didn't travel with the Blue Jackets to Buffalo, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site, so he's not an option for Saturday's game against the Sabres. - Merzlikins exited Friday's 6-5 overtime win over the Maple Leafs after the first period because of the illness. He has a 7-8-6 record, 3.24 GAA and .907 save percentage in 23 contests this season. With Merzlikins unavailable Saturday, Daniil Tarasov is set to start while Spencer Martin will serve as the backup goaltender. |
None |
| Dec. 29, 2023 |
Merzlikins will be between the home pipes versus Toronto on Friday, according to Columbus beat reporter Coby Maeir. - Merzlikins has seen a lot of pucks in his last five starts, stopping 179 of 197 shots. He is 2-0-3 in the month of December, raising his record to 7-8-6 with a 3.20 GAA and .907 save percentage. The Maple Leafs are averaging 32.7 shots on goal per game, sixth in the league. |
None |
| Dec. 27, 2023 |
Merzlikins is expected to start on the road against New Jersey on Wednesday, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins has a 7-8-5 record, 3.17 GAA and .909 save percentage in 21 contests this season. He stopped 29 of 32 shots en route to a 3-2 overtime loss to Washington in his last start Thursday. New Jersey, which is in a three-way tie for eighth offensively with 3.41 goals per game, is likely to be a difficult matchup for Merzlikins. |
None |
| Dec. 22, 2023 |
Merzlikins turned aside 29 shots in Thursday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Capitals. - The 29-year-old netminder played well overall, but Tom Wilson finally got under his skin in OT and Merzlikins took a roughing penalty after the Washington pest had crashed the crease one time too many. Alex Ovechkin then scored on the ensuing power play. Merzlikins has yet to take a regulation loss in December, going 2-0-2 in four starts with a .914 save percentage, but Columbus' generous defense has left him with a 3.39 GAA over that stretch due to the volume of shots he's faced. |
None |
| Dec. 21, 2023 |
Per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers, Merzlikins will defend the home crease versus Washington on Thursday. - Merzlikins will be backed up by Spencer Martin as Daniil Tarasov gets the night off. Merzlikins has played only once in the Blue Jackets' last six games, giving up five goals in the third period versus Toronto, but stopping 43 pucks in a 6-5 overtime win. Overall, Merzlikins is 7-8-4 with a 3.19 GAA and .909 save percentage this season. The Capitals are coming off a 3-2 overtime win over the Islanders on Wednesday and currently sit 30th in NHL scoring, averaging 2.41 goals per game. |
None |
| Dec. 14, 2023 |
Merzlikins, who remains on injured reserve with an illness, is at morning skate ahead of Thursday's road game versus the Maple Leafs, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - Merzlikins could be available against the Maple Leafs on Thursday, but he'll need to be activated off injured reserve in order to make his return. The 29-year-old netminder, who hasn't played since Dec. 5 versus LA due to an illness, has gone 6-8-4 while posting a 3.10 GAA and a .910 save percentage through 19 appearances this season. |
None |
| Dec. 6, 2023 |
Merzlikins stopped 35 shots in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Kings. - It's been a pattern this season for Columbus to crack in the third period while trying to hold a lead, and Tuesday's game was no exception -- Merzlikins actually had a shutout going after 40 minutes, but the Blue Jackets got out-shot 15-7 in the third while giving up three straight goals. The netminder then couldn't get a glove on a Drew Doughty blast from the faceoff circle just 33 seconds into OT. Merzlikins has a .918 save percentage over his last 10 starts, but it's resulted in just a 3-5-2 record and 3.01 GAA as he's faced a whopping 36.7 shots a game during that stretch. |
None |
| Dec. 5, 2023 |
Merzlikins will patrol the home crease Tuesday against the Kings, according to Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site. - Merzlikins is coming off a 41-save performance in Friday's 4-2 win over Ottawa. He has posted a 6-8-3 record this season with a 3.04 GAA and a .911 save percentage through 18 appearances this season. The Kings rank first in the league this campaign with 3.86 goals per game. |
None |
| Dec. 1, 2023 |
Merzlikins was the first goaltender off the ice at morning practice, indicating he will patrol the home crease versus Ottawa on Friday, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - It will be a battle of friends as Merzlikins will face his former teammate of four seasons, Joonas Korpisalo. Merzlikins is 5-8-3 with a 3.11 GAA and .907 save percentage, a huge improvement over last season when he went 7-18-2 with a 4.23 GAA and .876 save percentage. Ottawa should fire plenty of pucks at Merzlikins, as they are averaging 32.1 shots per game, ninth-best in the NHL. |
None |
| Nov. 30, 2023 |
Merzlikins stopped 27 of 30 shots in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Canadiens. - Montreal's final goal was scored into an empty net. Merzlikins was engaged in a spirited goaltending duel with Sam Montembeault all evening, but the Columbus netminder had little chance on the winning tally as Joel Armia tipped home a blast from the point by Mike Matheson with a little under three minutes left in the third period. Merzlikins has seen a heavy workload to begin the season, both in terms of games played and the amount of rubber he's seen -- only Tampa Bay's Jonas Johansson has faced more shots so far than Elvis' 527. He's held up relatively well though, posting a .912 save percentage in November despite a lackluster 3.09 GAA and 3-6-1 record. Daniil Tarasov (knee) still lacks a clear timeline for his return and Spencer Martin is purely a stopgap in the No. 2 role, so Merzlikins should continue logging big minutes for the time being. |
None |
| Nov. 29, 2023 |
Merzlikins is set to start at home against Montreal on Wednesday, according to Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch. - Merzlikins has a 5-7-3 record, 3.11 GAA and .907 save percentage in 16 contests this season. He's saved an impressive 110 of 117 shots (.940 save percentage) over his last three appearances and collected two wins over that stretch. Montreal ranks 27th offensively this campaign with 2.71 goals per game. |
None |
| Nov. 26, 2023 |
Merzlikins will defend the road net Sunday against the Hurricanes, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has won his past two starts, including a 37-save performance in Friday's 2-1 victory over New Jersey. He has a 5-6-3 record this season with a 3.12 GAA and a .905 save percentage over 15 games played. Carolina ranks 14th in the league this campaign with 3.32 goals per contest. |
None |
| Nov. 25, 2023 |
Merzlikins made 37 saves in Friday's 2-1 win over New Jersey. - Alexander Holtz snapped a puck past Merzlikins midway through the first period after an ugly turnover by Jake Bean, but the 29-year-old netminder was brilliant the rest of the way, especially during a third period in which the Blue Jackets were out-shot 20-9. Merzlikins has won two straight starts and is quietly putting together a solid November despite the struggles of the team around him, and he's posted a .915 save percentage over his last six outings -- although that comes with a 2-3-1 record and a 3.01 GAA while facing 35.3 shots a game. |
None |
| Nov. 24, 2023 |
Merzlikins will be between the visiting pipes against New Jersey on Friday, according to Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. - Merzlikins snapped a three-game losing streak Wednesday, stopping 33 shots in a 7-3 win over Chicago. He is 4-6-3 with a 3.28 GAA and .899 save percentage this season. The Devils are averaging 3.47 goals per game, ninth-best in the NHL. |
None |
| Nov. 23, 2023 |
Merzlikins turned aside 33 shots in Wednesday's 7-3 win over Chicago. - While he lost focus a little bit in the third period after Columbus had built a 7-1 lead, Merzlikins was sharp for two periods and gave the visitors no hint of momentum toward a comeback. The win snapped a five-start losing streak in which the 29-year-old had gone 0-4-1 with a 3.76 GAA, and while Merzlikins is playing better than he did in 2022-23, he has yet to lock into the form that made the Blue Jackets believe he could be Sergei Bobrovsky's replacement as the team's franchise goalie. On the season, Elvis is 4-6-3 with a 3.28 GAA and .899 save percentage. |
None |
| Nov. 22, 2023 |
Merzlikins will tend the twine at home versus the Blackhawks on Wednesday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins hasn't secured a win in his last six appearances, posting a 0-4-1 record and 3.76 GAA. Despite his slump, the 29-year-old Latvian continues to see the majority of the starts ahead of Spencer Martin, who is mired in a five-game losing streak of his own. Given the struggling team around him, the Jackets are allowing the fifth most shots per game this season (32.7), Merzlikins figures to struggle to pick up wins this year. |
None |
| Nov. 19, 2023 |
Merlikins stopped 22 of 26 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 loss to the Capitals on Saturday. - Merzlikins coughed up three goals in the second period before allowing the game-winning goal in the third period to drop his fourth consecutive start. The Latvian goaltender has now allowed at least three goals in his last five appearances, failing to pick up a win in any of those contests. Merzlikins now carries a 3-6-3 record with a 3.31 GAA and a .897 save percentage. He will likely serve as the backup Sunday against Philadelphia in the second half of a back-to-back. |
None |
| Nov. 18, 2023 |
Merzlikins will patrol the visiting crease versus Washington on Saturday, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports. - Merzlikins is 3-5-3 with a 3.24 GAA and .901 save percentage this season. He has lost his last two starts, giving up seven goals on 72 shots. Merzlikins will face the Capitals, who sit 31st in NHL with only 2.36 goals per game this campaign. |
None |
| Nov. 17, 2023 |
Merzlikins made 29 saves in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Arizona. - The Coyotes scored twice in 28 seconds in the third period to break open a 1-1 tie, with the first goal coming on a power play while Merzlikins was screened, and the second coming after a turnover behind the Columbus net led to a Lawson Crouse one-timer from point-blank range. Merzlikins has just one win in his last nine appearances as the Blue Jackets once again sink to the bottom of the standings, going 1-4-3 with a 3.44 GAA and .895 save percentage over that stretch. |
None |
| Nov. 16, 2023 |
Merzlikins is expected to get the home start against Arizona on Thursday, as he was the first goaltender to leave the ice at morning practice, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins is 3-4-3 with a 3.24 GAA and .901 save percentage this season. He struggled last year, going 7-18-2 with a 4.23 GAA and .876 save percentage. Merzlikins will take on the Coyotes, who are averaging 3.47 goals per game. |
None |
| Nov. 15, 2023 |
Merzlikins stopped 36 of 40 shots in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Penguins. - Pittsburgh's final goal was scored into an empty net. Merzlikins played well and made a number of big saves against the rest of the Pens to keep his team in the game, but he couldn't deny Sidney Crosby -- the future Hall of Famer scored on all three of his shots on the night. Merzlikins has a rough 1-3-3 record over his last eight appearances with a 3.48 GAA and .893 save percentage, and while his performance has improved significantly since last season, Columbus' defensive play in front of him remains a work in progress. |
None |
| Nov. 14, 2023 |
Per Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff, Merzlikins was the first goalie off the ice at morning skate, putting him on track to protect the home goal against the Penguins on Tuesday. - Merzlikins played pretty well in his last start Sunday against the Rangers, stopping 37 of 40 shots, but he still came away with a loss in overtime due to insufficient goal support from his teammates. He'll try to get back in the win column in a home matchup with a surging Pittsburgh team that's won four straight games. |
None |
| Nov. 12, 2023 |
Merzlikins will get the road start Saturday against the Rangers, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Spencer Martin had started Columbus' previous two games after Merzlikins allowed three goals on just 10 shots in his last appearance vs. Florida on Monday. Merzlikins is 3-3-2 with an .897 save percentage this season. He'll have a tough task against a Rangers team averaging 3.31 goals per game to start the campaign. |
None |
| Nov. 6, 2023 |
Merzlikins will patrol the road crease during Monday's game versus the Panthers, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins played pretty well in his last start Saturday versus Washington, turning aside 25 of 27 shots, but he was still stuck with a loss due to a lack of goal support from his teammates. He'll try to earn his fourth win of the season in a road matchup with a Florida team that's averaging only 2.60 goals per game this campaign, 26th in the NHL. |
None |
| Nov. 4, 2023 |
Per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site, Merzlikins will defend the road goal versus Washington on Saturday. - Merzlikins is off to a good start this season, going 3-2-2 with a 2.97 GAA and .902 save percentage. That's a tremendous improvement over last season, when Merzlikins was 7-18-2 with a 4.23 GAA and .876 save percentage. Washington has only managed to score 17 goals in nine games this season, which ranks 31st in the league. |
None |
| Nov. 3, 2023 |
Merzlikins made 27 saves in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Lightning. - Both Tampa Bay goals came as a result of fluky bounces off the skates of Columbus players during a two-minute stretch in the second period, but Merzlikins didn't lose his focus and shut the door the rest of the way. The 29-year-old netminder is 3-2-2 to begin the season with a respectable 2.97 GAA and .902 save percentage, and the team's commitment to shoring up its blue line in the offseason is paying dividends for Merzlikins, as he has yet to face more than 35 shots in a game. |
None |
| Nov. 2, 2023 |
Merzlikins will defend the home crease versus Tampa Bay on Thursday, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins is having a much better 2023-24 campaign as he is 2-2-2 with a 3.14 GAA and a .898 save percentage. He was awful last season, going 7-18-2 with a 4.23 GAA and .876 save percentage. Merzlikins will face the Lightning, who are tied for eighth overall in scoring with 32 goals. |
None |
| Oct. 30, 2023 |
Merzlikins will guard the road cage Monday against Dallas, per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch. - Merzlikins has gone to overtime in each of his past three outings, but he has lost the last two. He has a 2-1-2 record this season, having stopped 130 of 144 shots. The Stars have scored only 16 goals over six games this season. |
None |
| Oct. 27, 2023 |
Merzlikins made 25 saves in Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Canadiens. - The Blue Jackets led 2-0 after the first period but Elvis couldn't make it hold up, although he didn't get a lot of help -- Montreal's final two goals in regulation came on power plays, and Merzlikins' teammate Jack Roslovic provided a perfect screen on Cole Caufield's OT winner. The netminder hasn't lost in regulation in four straight starts, going 2-0-2 with a 3.14 GAA and .890 save percentage -- not great numbers, but still a big improvement on his dreadful 2022-23. |
None |
| Oct. 26, 2023 |
Merzlikins will guard the cage in Thursday's road clash with Montreal, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins registered a 3.37 GAA and .873 save percentage in his last two appearances. That's a far cry from his first two games in which he posted a 1.84 GAA while giving up a combined three goals on 60 shots. Injuries limited Merzlikins to just 30 games last season, a mark he should easily reach this year as long as he can stay healthy. |
None |
| Oct. 25, 2023 |
Merzlikins turned aside 24 shots in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Ducks. - The 29-year-old netminder came up with some big stops to help earn a point for the Blue Jackets, including a huge glove save on a Troy Terry breakaway early in OT, but he couldn't deny Frank Vatrano just over a minute later. Merzlikins appears to be putting last season's disaster behind him thanks in large part to improved defensive play in front of him, and through his first four starts of 2023-24 he's posted an entirely respectable 2.69 GAA and .913 save percentage while going 2-1-1. |
None |
| Oct. 24, 2023 |
Merzlikins will defend the home net against Anaheim on Tuesday, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins is coming off a 23-save effort in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over Minnesota. He has won his past two contests after losing in Columbus' season opener despite a strong performance against Philadelphia. Merzlikins has stopped 81 of 88 shots during the 2023-24 campaign. |
None |
| Oct. 22, 2023 |
Merzlikins made 24 saves in a 5-4 overtime win over Minnesota on Saturday. - Merzlikins was okay Saturday, but overall, he's been solid. He is 2-1-0 with a 2.61 GAA and .920 save percentage in three starts this season. Merzlikins is looking to banish all memories of 2022-23 (7-18-2; 4.23 GAA and .876 save percentage). So far, so good. But we need to see consistency over time before we brand him as a guy who is reliable enough to carry your squad. |
None |
| Oct. 21, 2023 |
Merzlikins (illness) is expected to defend the visiting crease versus the Wild on Saturday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merlikins was expected to start Friday against the Flames, but he felt under the weather and ultimately ceded the starting nod to Spencer Martin. Coach Pascal Vincent said that Merzlikins has recovered and is expected to start against the Wild, who have scored 14 goals en route to a 2-2-0 start. |
None |
| Oct. 20, 2023 |
Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports, coach Pascal Vincent said that Merzlikins will be between the home pipes versus Calgary on Friday. - Merzlikins is off to an excellent start with a 1.84 GAA and .950 save percentage in splitting his first two games. Merzlikins had a terrible go of it last season, going 7-18-2 with a 4.23 GAA and .876 save percentage. He faces a tired Flames team, who defeated Buffalo 4-3 on Thursday. |
None |
| Oct. 17, 2023 |
Merzlikins is feeling better after missing Monday's 4-0 loss to Detroit due to an illness, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - With Jet Greaves, who served as Spencer Martin's backup against the Red Wings, reassigned to the minors Tuesday, it appears Merzlikins is on track to be available for Friday's clash with Calgary. Merzlikins has been sharp early on this season, having maintained an impressive 1.84 GAA and .950 save percentage through his first two appearances of the year. |
None |
| Oct. 16, 2023 |
Merzlikins (illness) is not expected to be in the lineup Monday against Detroit, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins left Saturday's 5-3 win over the Rangers after two periods of work because of a stomach bug. He is projected to get the night off Monday despite feeling better. Jet Greaves, who is up with the Blue Jackets on an emergency basis, will suit up as the backup behind starter Spencer Martin on Monday. |
None |
| Oct. 14, 2023 |
Merzlikins will be between the home pipes versus the Rangers on Saturday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins looked sharp Thursday, stopping 33 of 35 shots in a 4-2 loss to the Flyers. He really struggled last season, going 7-18-2 with a 4.23 GAA and .876 save percentage. He managed to play fairly well in his lone start last season against the Rangers, giving up three goals on 33 shots in a 3-1 loss. |
None |
| Oct. 12, 2023 |
Merzlikins is in the starter's crease at practice Thursday, indicating that he will get the start at home versus the Flyers, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins is the undisputed No. 1 goaltender with the Blue Jackets at this time, with Spencer Martin as his backup. Merzlikins struggled last season, going 7-18-2 with a 4.23 GAA and .876 save percentage. He gets a favorable matchup Thursday against the Flyers, as Philadelphia are one of the weaker teams in the NHL at this time. |
None |
| Sept. 21, 2023 |
Merzlikins (lower body) skated with the second of three groups during Thursday's practice to open training camp, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins had a lower-body injury for much of the last month of 2022-23, but it was expected he'd be healthy by the end of April. His presence on the ice at training camp is enough to say he's healthy and ready to enter the season as the Blue Jackets' clear top netminder, especially with Daniil Tarasov (knee) hurting. Merzlikins is a low-end fantasy option to begin the year -- managers may want to see how much of an impact the Blue Jackets' defensive additions will benefit their goalies. |
None |
| April 17, 2023 |
Merzlikins (lower body) is expected to be fully healthy by late April, but he has elected not to play for Latvia at the IIHF World Championships in May, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - The netminder is coming off the worst season of his NHL career, and his focus this offseason is going to be on getting stronger, staying healthier and rebounding in 2023-24. "I have May, June, July, August and a little bit of September, plenty of time to get stronger and ready for the new season," Merzlikins said Sunday. "I'm going to stay all summer [in Columbus] and get myself ready." Barring a significant addition to the roster over the summer, Daniil Tarasov -- who had trouble staying healthy himself this year -- figures to be Merzlikins' main competition for the starting role with the Blue Jackets next season. |
None |
| March 27, 2023 |
Merzlikins (leg) is considered day-to-day ahead of Tuesday's matchup with the Rangers. - Merzlikins had just returned from a seven-game absence while attending to a family matter back home in Latvia. With Merzlikins in doubt, it will likely fall to either Michael Hutchinson or Jon Gillies to backstop the team for the time being. At this point, Merzlikins may be hard-pressed to even reach the 10-win mark this season, well behind the 27 wins he compiled last season. |
None |
| March 25, 2023 |
Merzlikins will guard the road goal versus the Canadiens on Saturday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins will make his first start after returning to North America following a death in his family. Prior to his personal absence, he went 1-2-1 with 13 goals allowed across his previous four starts, though facing the Canadiens is a good matchup for him to get back on track. |
None |
| March 10, 2023 |
Merzlikins (personal) is on his way to Latvia to be with family Friday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins will likely miss at least a week of action as the Blue Jackets are headed out to California and Vegas next week. Merzlikins left Tuesday's game versus the Penguins with an illness and picked up a no-decision after stopping all seven shots. He is 7-17-2 with a 4.10 GAA and .880 save percentage this season. Daniil Tarasov was recalled on an emergency basis. |
None |
| March 4, 2023 |
Merzlikins turned aside 31 of 34 shots in Friday's 4-2 loss to Seattle. - The Kraken's final goal was scored into an empty net. Merzlikins has been nothing if not consistent over the last month-plus, and he's given up exactly three goals in a remarkable seven straight starts. Unfortunately, he plays for a team averaging just 2.58 goals per game, 30th in the league. With the roster cleared of competition at the trade deadline, Merzlikins should be the Blue Jackets' unquestioned No. 1 netminder down the stretch, although that role may not translate into many wins. |
None |
| March 3, 2023 |
Merzlikins will defend the home crease versus Seattle on Friday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins has allowed three goals in each of his last six games, a huge improvement over the rest of the season, as he is 7-15-2 with a 4.10 GAA and .879 save percentage. Merzlikins will face the Kraken, who are sixth in NHL scoring, averaging 3.49 goals per game. |
None |
| Feb. 28, 2023 |
Merzlikins will guard the road goal during Tuesday's matchup with the Sabres, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins played pretty well in his last start Sunday against Minnesota, stopping 41 of 44 shots, but he still came away with a loss due to insufficient goal support from his teammates. He'll try to snap his personal three-game losing streak in a road matchup with a surging Sabres squad that's won three straight contests. |
None |
| Feb. 26, 2023 |
Merzlikins will get the road start Sunday against the Wild, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site. - Merzlikins will be looking for his first win since Feb.11. Overall, it's been a tough year for the 28-year-old netminder. He's 6-15-1 with an .873 save percentage and a 4.21 GAA. He'll take on a Minnesota team that's scored just five goals in its last three games. |
None |
| Feb. 19, 2023 |
Merzlikins will defend the road against Arizona on Sunday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins is coming off a 29-save effort in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to New Jersey. He has a 6-15-0 record this season with a 4.28 GAA and an .873 save percentage in 23 appearances. Merzlikins will get the second half of Columbus' back-to-back after Joonas Korpisalo played in Saturday's 4-1 win over Dallas. The Coyotes sit 28th in the league this year with 2.66 goals per game. |
None |
| Feb. 15, 2023 |
Merzlikins made 29 saves in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Devils. - The teams appeared headed for overtime until the Columbus defense corps allowed Ryan Graves to get to the front of the net with only two seconds left in the third period and bang home a pass from Michael McLeod. The results still aren't there, but Merzlikins is beginning to show flickers of his old form, although it'd be tough for any netminder to deliver consistent numbers behind this injury-ravaged Blue Jackets blue line. Elvis hasn't given up fewer than three goals in a start since Jan. 8, but he also hasn't given up more than three goals in three straight -- not bad on a Columbus team that's given up the third-most goals in the league this season. |
None |
| Feb. 14, 2023 |
Merzlikins will patrol the home crease Tuesday against New Jersey, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins is coming off a 26-save performance in Saturday's 4-3 win over Toronto. He has a 6-14-0 record this season with a 4.34 GAA and an .871 save percentage in 22 appearances. Merzlikins surrendered seven goals on 53 shots in a 7-1 loss to the Devils on Oct. 30. New Jersey ranks sixth in the league this year with 3.46 goals per game. |
None |
| Feb. 11, 2023 |
Merzlikins will tend the crease in Toronto on Saturday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins will play the back half of a home-and-home series after the Leafs shut out Columbus on Friday. Merzlikins has been one of the worst goaltenders in the NHL this season, going 5-14-0 with a 4.42 GAA and .870 save percentage. The Maple Leafs are tied for ninth in NHL scoring, averaging 3.36 goals per game. |
None |
| Jan. 28, 2023 |
Merzlikins will guard the road goal Saturday versus the Kraken, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins will handle the second half of a back-to-back after Joonas Korpisalo took a 5-2 loss to the Canucks on Friday. The 28-year-old Merzlikins has just one win in his last six outings, and he's allowed 24 goals over that span. The Kraken will be looking to bounce back after a 5-2 loss of their own to the Flames, so this is likely to be a tough matchup for the Latvian netminder. |
None |
| Jan. 19, 2023 |
Merzlikins will guard the home goal during Thursday's matchup with the Ducks, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins was pretty solid in his last start Monday against the Rangers, turning aside 30 of 33 shots, but he still came away with a loss due to insufficient goal support from his teammates. He'll try to get back in the win column in a favorable home matchup with an Anaheim team that's 4-15-4 on the road this year. |
None |
| Jan. 16, 2023 |
Merzlikins is slated to start Monday at home versus the Rangers, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins has surrendered at least three goals in five of his last six games. He's 5-11-0 with a 4.52 GAA and .867 save percentage in 18 contests this season. The Rangers have the 16th-ranked offense with 3.16 goals per game. |
None |
| Jan. 15, 2023 |
Merzlikins made 25 saves in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Red Wings. - The 28-year-old netminder didn't make things easy on himself, as per usual -- he took a shutout, and a 4-0 lead, into the third period before the wheels nearly came off after Detroit's first tally came on an own goal by Mathieu Olivier -- but Merzlikins still came away with his first win in over a month, and his fifth of the season. He's beginning to show flashes of his old form, and if he sees consistent work while Joonas Korpisalo (personal) is away from the team, Merzlikins might just climb his way back into fantasy relevance again. He's got a long way to go, though, and through four starts in January, Merzlikins has coughed up 16 goals on 130 shots (.877 save percentage). |
None |
| Jan. 14, 2023 |
Merzlikins will defend the road goal versus Detroit on Saturday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins is on a four-game losing streak, giving him a 4-11-0 record, with a 4.62 GAA and .865 save percentage. He played in 59 games last season but has lost his No. 1 status to Joonas Korpisalo this season. Merzlikins will face the Red Wings, who are averaging 3.10 goals per game, 20th best in the NHL. |
None |
| Jan. 12, 2023 |
Merzlikins is considered day-to-day with lingering illness issues, according to Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda. - Merzlikins is expected to be on the sidelines Thursday as Carolina is in town. Joonas Korpisalo will get the start. Merzlikins is having a terrible 2022-23 campaign, as he is 4-11-0 with a 4.62 GAA and an .865 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 10, 2023 |
Merzlikins is expected to start on the road Tuesday versus Tampa Bay, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. - Merzlikins stopped 18 of 19 shots, but suffered a 1-0 loss to Washington on Sunday. He's 4-10-0 with a 4.51 GAA and .865 save percentage in 16 contests this season. Tampa Bay has the sixth-ranked offense with 3.47 goals per game. |
None |
| Jan. 8, 2023 |
Merzlikins will defend the road goal Sunday versus Washington, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins allowed six goals on 37 shots in a 6-2 loss to the Capitals on Thursday. He has a 4-9-0 record this season with a 4.78 GAA and an .861 save percentage in 15 appearances. Merzlikins will get the second half of Columbus' back-to-back after Joonas Korpisalo played in Saturday's shootout win over Carolina. Washington ranks 10th in the league with 3.31 goals per game. |
None |
| Jan. 5, 2023 |
Merzlikins will defend the home crease against Washington on Thursday, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - Merzikins will get his first start since Dec. 13, a span of eight games. Merzlikins is 4-8-0 with a 4.68 GAA and an .864 save percentage as he has struggled most of the season. He will face the Capitals, who are averaging 3.28 goals per game, tied for 10th best in the NHL. |
None |
| Dec. 31, 2022 |
Merzlikins (COVID-19) will be the backup goaltender against Chicago on Saturday, according to Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda. - Merzlikins has not seen any action since Dec. 13, when he gave up three goals on 25 shots in a 4-0 loss to Florida. He came down with COVID-19 a week later and is finally back in the lineup, albeit as the backup to Joonas Korpisalo. It has been a tough season for the 28-year-old Merzlikins, who is 4-8-0 with a horrible 4.68 GAA and a just as bad .864 save percentage. |
None |
| Dec. 29, 2022 |
Merzlikins, who was taken off the NHL's COVID-19 list Wednesday, isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Islanders, per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch. - Merzlikins hasn't played since Dec. 13, but he did resume practicing with the Blue Jackets on Wednesday. He has a 4-8-0 record, 4.68 GAA and .864 save percentage in 14 games this season. Joonas Korpisalo is expected to start versus the Islanders while Daniil Tarasov is slated to serve as the backup. |
None |
| Dec. 28, 2022 |
Per Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda, Merzlikins is on the ice for Wednesday's practice, indicating he's been activated off the NHL's COVID-19 list. - Merzlikins has been sidelined since Dec. 13 due to his illness, so it remains to be seen if he'll be available for Thursday's game versus the Islanders, but he should be back in action sooner rather than later. Confirmation on Merzlikins' status against New York will presumably surface prior to puck drop. |
None |
| Dec. 27, 2022 |
Merzlikins is on the NHL's COVID-19 list, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - Merzlikins was originally considered to be sidelined with an unspecified illness, but it's now been confirmed that the 28-year-old defender has been dealing with COVID-19. At this point, Merzlikins can be considered out indefinitely. Another update on his status should surface once he's activated off the NHL's COVID-19 list. |
None |
| Dec. 13, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the road goal Tuesday versus Florida, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins is coming off a 35-save effort in Sunday's 6-5 overtime win over Los Angeles. He has won his past two appearances, including one in relief, to improve to 4-7-0 on the season. Merzlikins will go into Tuesday's contest with a 4.83 GAA and an .862 save percentage in 13 games played. He has posted a mark of 2-1-1 versus the Panthers in his career, having allowed 13 goals on 156 shots. |
None |
| Dec. 11, 2022 |
Merzlikins will patrol the home crease Sunday against Los Angeles, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins has a 3-7-0 record this season with a 4.82 GAA and an .862 save percentage in 12 appearances. He earned a win over Calgary in relief Friday with a 19-save performance in two periods of work. Merzlikins will be backed up by Jet Greaves after Joonas Korpisalo (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Sunday. |
None |
| Dec. 9, 2022 |
Merlikins turned aside 19 of 20 shots after replacing Joonas Korpisalo (lower body) to begin the second period of Friday's 3-1 win over the Flames. - Columbus scored the game-winner early in the second period, so the victory goes on Merzlikins' ledger, and he almost rode out the combined shutout before getting screened on Michael Stone's blast from the point late in the third period. The Blue Jackets have had major goaltending woes this season but Elvis showed flashes of his old form in this one as he protected a 2-0 lead in the final frame. If Korpisalo winds up missing time due to his lower-body injury, Merzlikins could see a heavy workload behind the team's injury-riddled blue line despite his 4.82 GAA and ,862 save percentage through 12 appearances. |
None |
| Dec. 7, 2022 |
Merzlikins replaced Joonas Korpisalo in the first period of Wednesday's 9-4 loss to Buffalo and allowed six goals on 21 shots. - Merzlikins had no answer for Tage Thompson. After scoring one of the three goals against Korpisalo, Thompson scored three more against Merzlikins before the end of the first and another in the second. The other Sabres got in on the fun after that, putting two more pucks past Merzlikins to give Buffalo a 9-2 lead heading into the third. Columbus clawed two back in the final frame, but all that did was shift the loss from Korpisalo's ledger onto Merzlikins'. |
None |
| Dec. 6, 2022 |
Merzlikins allowed four goals in a 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. - This was the first time that Merzlikins, who had a lower-body injury and was activated off the injured reserve list Dec. 1, played in net since Nov. 15. The 28-year-old had a 5.69 GAA and .866 save percentage in his last four games before being shelved. Given his performance Tuesday, it seems his struggles aren't over. Merzlikins has a 2-6-0 record, 4.68 GAA and .866 save percentage in 10 contests. |
None |
| Dec. 5, 2022 |
Merzlikins will defend the cage on the road against the Penguins on Tuesday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins will make his first appearance in the crease for the Jackets since he suffered a lower-body injury versus the Flyers on Nov. 15. Even with Merzlikins healthy, he is far from a lock for regular starts and will likely continue to serve as the secondary choice behind Joonas Korpisalo. |
None |
| Nov. 20, 2022 |
Merzlikins (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Sunday. - Merzlikins, who was injured Nov. 15 against Philadelphia, is expected to be out for 1-2 weeks. Columbus has Joonas Korpisalo and Daniil Tarasov handling the goaltending duties. The Blue Jackets also announced Sunday that forward Trey Fix-Wolansky has been recalled from AHL Cleveland. |
None |
| Nov. 17, 2022 |
Merzlikins (lower body) will miss 1-2 weeks, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins was injured Tuesday and left the game against the Flyers in the second period. He was replaced by Joonas Korpisalo, who will take over for now as the Blue Jackets' top netminder. Merzlikins has struggled this season, going 2-5-0 with a 4.74 GAA and .864 save percentage. |
None |
| Nov. 15, 2022 |
Merzlikins will get the starting nod at home versus the Flyers on Tuesday, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svobodareports. - Merzlikins is mired in a four-game losing streak during which he has posted a 5.74 GAA. If the 28-year-old Latvian can't rediscover his game soon, he may find himself watching from the bench in favor of Joonas Korpisalo. At this point, neither netminder has performed significantly better than the other, so look for the duo to continue splitting starts for the time being. |
None |
| Nov. 4, 2022 |
Merzlikins stopped 30 of 35 shots during a 6-3 loss to the Avalanche on Friday in Finland. - The early-season slump continues for Merzlikins, who has surrendered 22 goals on 156 shots during his last four starts, all defeats dating back to Oct. 22. The 28-year-old netminder opened the season with an illness and has yet to find his rhythm. |
None |
| Nov. 3, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the road crease against Colorado on Friday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins faced 53 shots Sunday in a 7-1 loss to the Devils and is 2-4-0 with a 4.75 GAA and an .864 save percentage this season. The Blue Jackets are the road team Friday and the home team Saturday as they face the Avalanche in Finland. The Avalanche have struggled this season, going 4-4-1 while averaging 3.22 goals per game. |
None |
| Oct. 30, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the road crease Sunday against the Devils, per Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda. - Merzlikins struggled in his last start Friday against the Bruins, allowing four goals on 29 shots before he was replaced by Daniil Tarasov in the third period. Merzlikins will look to get back on track against a Devils team that's won two straight. The 28-year-old netminder is 2-3-0 with a .863 save percentage so far this year. |
None |
| Oct. 28, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the home goal against Boston on Friday, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins didn't start Sunday against the Rangers and played only in the third period Tuesday in a 6-3 loss to the Coyotes. He is 2-2-0 with a 4.06 GAA and an .863 save percentage in the early going. Merzlikins will face the Bruins, who are off to a great start at 7-1-0. Boston will be without Brad Marchand, who made his season debut Thursday after offseason hip surgery but won't be playing in back-to-back games. |
None |
| Oct. 25, 2022 |
Merzlikins turned aside five of six shots after replacing Daniil Tarasov late in the second period of Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Coyotes. - It was a brutal, lifeless performance by the Blue Jackets as a whole on home ice against one of the NHL's softest opponents. The offense didn't wake up until the team was staring at a 5-0 deficit in the third period, and neither goaltender was at fault for the final result. Merzlikins is 2-2-0 to begin the season but has yet to give up fewer than three goals in any of his four starts, leaving him with a 4.06 GAA and .863 save percentage while working behind a blue line corps that's providing him with little help. |
None |
| Oct. 23, 2022 |
Merzlikins made 33 saves in a 6-3 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. - His team came out hot for just over one period and held a 3-1 lead by the early part of the second. But the flightless birds woke up and score five unanswered goals to take the game. Merzlikins is 2-2-0. So far, he's been either lukewarm or ice cold. He has allowed six goals in the two wins and 11 in the two losses. |
None |
| Oct. 22, 2022 |
Merzlikins will get the home crease against Pittsburgh on Saturday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins is off to a 2-1-0 start despite allowing 11 goals on only 86 shots this season. He will play against the Penguins, who are off to a strong start. Pittsburgh has scored 20 goals in four games and sits atop the Metropolitan Division standings at 3-0-1. |
None |
| Oct. 20, 2022 |
Merzlikins will be in the home crease Thursday against the Predators, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins picked up his first win of the season Tuesday as he turned aside 32 shots in a 4-3 overtime win over Vancouver. Merzlikins is 1-1-0 this season and will face the the Predators who defeated the lowly Sharks twice in Europe but are 0-2-1 with only five goals since returning to North America. |
None |
| Oct. 18, 2022 |
Merzlikins is expected to start Tuesday against Vancouver, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins stopped 20 of 25 shots in a 5-2 loss to Columbus on Saturday. The Blue Jackets and Canucks both entered the season with some optimism, but each squad is 0-3-0, so these are two very hungry teams. This could be an aggressively played game. |
None |
| Oct. 15, 2022 |
Merzlikins will get the road crease Saturday as the Blue Jackets play the Blues, according to Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda. - It will be Merzlikins first start of the season as he was ill earlier in the week. Merzlikins was 27-23-7 last season with a 3.22 GAA and .907 save percentage. He has a tough matchup as this is the home opener for the Blues. |
None |
| Oct. 12, 2022 |
Merzlikins is under the weather and won't be available for Wednesday's Opening Night clash with the Hurricanes. - Merzlikins' absence will press Daniil Tarasov into the crease for just his fifth NHL game while Jet Greaves was recalled from AHL Cleveland to serve as the backup. Once back to 100 percent, the 28-year-old Merzlikins should retake his place as the No. 1 option for the Jackets. |
None |
| Oct. 8, 2022 |
Merzlikins will be in net Saturday against the Capitals, per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic. - Merzlikins is expected to play the full game as he prepares for the start of the regular season. The 28-year-old netminder was 27-23-7 with a .907 save percentage last season. Merzlikins should see the majority of starts on an improved Columbus team, especially with Joonas Korpisalo (hip) likely to open the season on the IR. |
None |
| Oct. 3, 2022 |
Merzlikins made 34 saves in Saturday's 2-1 preseason win over the Capitals. - The netminder looked especially good late in the third period, making some big stops after Washington pulled its own goalie for an extra attacker. Per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch, Merzlikins admitted to feeling tired in the final frame as he played his first full game since last season, making his heroics that much more impressive. "Obviously, it's important to win the game, but right now, personally, I don't really care about it," Merzlikins said. "I want to just feel the game, the game flow and all that stuff. The whole third period, I felt heavy legs. I wasn't used to it. The good part is just to get practice on focusing all the time, through the (whole) 60 minutes, and, overall, I felt pretty good." The 28-year-old is set as the Blue Jackets' No. 1 goalie, but improved play from the blue line corps in front of him could help him return to something close to the elite form he flashed as a rookie in 2019-20. |
None |
| April 30, 2022 |
Merzlikins stopped 40 of 42 shots after replacing Jean-Francois Berube midway through the first period of Friday's 5-3 loss to the Penguins. - The loss went on Merzlikins' ledger as he allowed the eventual winning goal, but it was still a strong performance under tough circumstances. He wraps up the campaign with a career-high 27 wins, but his 3.22 GAA and .907 save percentage were a disappointment given the flashes of brilliance he's shown in the past. Merzlikins will head into next season as the Blue Jackets' No. 1 netminder, but he might need the team's young blue line to improve in a hurry to post significantly better ratios. |
None |
| April 28, 2022 |
Merzlikins -- who stopped 28 of 32 shots against the Lightning on Tuesday -- will be in goal at home versus Tampa Bay on Thursday, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins may be playing in his final game of the season as the Jackets end the year with a back-to-back and will likely go with Jean-Francois Berube against the Penguins on Friday, though that hasn't been confirmed by the team. In eight career clashes with the Bolts, Merzlikins has posted a less than stellar 2-4-2 record and 2.54 GAA, including the four goals he conceded to Tampa on Tuesday. |
None |
| April 26, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the road goal during Tuesday's matchup with the Lightning, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins was excellent in his last start Sunday against the Oilers, stopping 33 of 35 shots en route to a 5-2 win. He'll try to secure his 27th victory of the season in a tough road matchup with a Tampa Bay team that's 26-8-6 at home this year. |
None |
| April 24, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start Sunday's game against the Oilers, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins will have his hands full trying to contain a high-powered Oilers offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Latvian netminder has gone 25-21-7 with a 3.26 GAA and .906 save percentage overall, but Merzlikins has only three wins since March 16. |
None |
| April 22, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the home goal during Friday's game versus Ottawa, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - Merzlikins wasn't great in his last start Tuesday against the Sharks, surrendering three goals on 28 shots en route to a 3-2 loss. He'll try to return to the win column in a home matchup with a Senators team that's averaging 2.77 goals per game on the road this year, 21st in the NHL. |
None |
| April 19, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start Tuesday's game in San Jose, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins has appeared in 13 of the last 15 games, putting up a 3-5-3 record with a 3.16 GAA and .910 save percentage during that span. A winner of two of his last three starts, the 28-year-old should have a decent shot at a victory Tuesday against a Sharks team that sits dead-last in the NHL since March 1 with just 2.41 average goals for over the last 22 games. |
None |
| April 16, 2022 |
Merzlikins will patrol the crease during Saturday's road game versus the Kings, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins was sharp in his last start Wednesday against Montreal, stopping 20 of 21 shots en route to a 5-1 victory. He'll try to pick up a third straight win in a road matchup with an LA team that's averaging 2.87 goals per game at home this year, 23rd in the NHL. |
None |
| April 14, 2022 |
Merzlikins stopped 20 shots in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Canadiens. - A Ryan Poehling power-play tally late in the second period denied Merzlikins his third shutout of the year, but it was otherwise smooth sailing for the 28-year-old goalie. Merzlikins is once again benefitting from some surprising offensive support, going 3-1-1 over his last five starts despite a 2.76 GAA, although his .920 save percentage over that stretch is strong. |
None |
| April 13, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start in goal for the Blue Jackets on Wednesday against Montreal, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins has been fairly inconsistent as of late, posting a 2-4-3 record and allowing 31 goals in his previous nine contests. Not to mention, allowing three or more goals in eight of those nine games. However, the 28-year-old goalie has still tallied 24 wins and ranks eighth among goalies in total saves (1,510). His last matchup with the Canadiens was on February 12, when the Latvia native stopped 30 of 31 shots en route to a 2-1 victory. |
None |
| April 9, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start between the pipes in Saturday's road game versus the Red Wings, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins wasn't great in his last start Thursday against the Flyers, surrendering four goals on 31 shots en route to a 4-1 defeat. He'll try to bounce back and pick up his 24th win of the season in a road matchup with a Detroit team that's averaging 3.30 goals per game at home this year, 12th in the NHL. |
None |
| April 7, 2022 |
Merzlikins will be between the pipes at home versus Philadelphia on Thursday, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins will be making his eighth straight appearance in goal for the Jackets, including taking both ends of a pair of back-to-backs. Eventually, the 27-year-old netminder will have to take a rest but at this point, the coaching staff has shown no signs of utilizing Jean-Francois Berube. |
None |
| April 5, 2022 |
Merzlikins stopped 34 shots in Monday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Bruins. - Columbus was out-shot 37-22 on the night, and Merzlikins had little chance on any of Boston's tallies, which came on a breakaway, a shot through a screen and an egregious giveaway in OT. Even so, Elvis has lost six straight decisions, going 0-3-3 over his last eight outings with a 3.56 GAA and .898 save percentage. |
None |
| April 4, 2022 |
Merzlikins will get the starting nod for Monday's home matchup with Boston, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins will make his sixth consecutive start for the Jackets despite having given up three or more goals in each of his last five outings. In fact, the netminder hasn't secured a win in his previous seven appearances. With a back-to-back on the schedule, Jean-Francois Berube figures to get the start against the Flyers on Tuesday, though Merzlikins did take both ends of the team's previous back-to-back. |
None |
| April 2, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the road goal during Saturday's matchup with the Bruins, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins has struggled recently, suffering four straight losses while posting a sub-par 3.82 GAA and .889 save percentage. He'll try to start righting the ship in a road matchup with a Boston team that's averaging 3.18 goals per game at home this season, 16th in the NHL. |
None |
| March 31, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start Thursday's road game against the Islanders, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins is winless in his last five appearances, posting an ugly 3.66 GAA and .889 save percentage during that span. The opposing Islanders have been better offensively recently, averaging a 15th-ranked 3.31 goals for in the month of March. |
None |
| March 30, 2022 |
Merzlikins stopped 25 shots in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Islanders. - That's now three straight losses for the temperamental Merzlikins, who desperately needs a break but doesn't have a reliable backup to give him one with Joonas Korpisalo and Daniil Tarasov both on the shelf with hip injuries. Since the beginning of March, Merzlikins is 4-2-4 but with a 3.39 GAA and .898 save percentage over 12 appearances. |
None |
| March 29, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the home goal during Tuesday's matchup with the Islanders, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins was pretty solid in his last start Saturday against the Wild, stopping 35 of 38 shots, but he ultimatley came away with an overtime loss due to insufficient goal support from his teammates. He'll try to snap his personal two-game losing streak in a home matchup with an Isles team that's 11-14-5 on the road this year. |
None |
| March 26, 2022 |
Merzlikins will be in goal for Saturday's road matchup with Minnesota, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins will take both ends of the Jackets' back-to-back despite giving up four goals on 33 shots versus the Jets on Friday. The Latvian netminder is likely to continue seeing the bulk of the starts with Joonas Korpisalo (hip) done for the season, though Jean-Francois Berube should be available to five Merzlikins the occasional game off. |
None |
| March 25, 2022 |
Merzlikins will patrol the crease against the Jets on the road Friday, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins has been subpar of late, as he is 4-2-2 with a .903 save percentage in his last 10 appearances. Despite his underwhelming numbers, the 27-year-old Latvian should continue to see the bulk of the workload with Joonas Korpisalo (hip) unavailable while Jean-Francois Berube serves as the No. 2 option. |
None |
| March 24, 2022 |
Merzlikins (upper body) is "good to go" ahead of Friday's game versus Winnipeg, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - Joonas Korpisalo (hip) has been ruled out of the remainder of the season, so Merzlikins will likely have a hefty workload down the stretch. The 27-year-old netminder has gone 22-15-3 while posting a 3.38 GAA and a .903 save percentage through 42 appearances this year. |
None |
| March 19, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start between the pipes in Saturday's home game versus the Blues, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins was sharp in his last start Wednesday versus the Senators, turning aside 30 of 31 shots en route to a 4-1 victory. He'll try to extend his personal winning streak to four games in a home matchup with a St. Louis squad that's averaging 3.28 goals per game on the road this year, eighth in the NHL. |
None |
| March 18, 2022 |
Merzlikins stopped 20 of 23 shots after replacing Joonas Korpisalo early in the second period of Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Capitals. - Both goalies were victimized by bad bounces and bad defensive play in front of them, but Merzlikins' numbers were marginally more palatable on the night. The 27-year-old continues to hold down the No. 1 job in the crease for Columbus, but his 3.40 GAA and .903 save percentage on the season make him a risky fantasy option any time he gets the call. |
None |
| March 17, 2022 |
Merzlikins stopped 30 shots in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Senators. - Tyler Ennis beat him midway through the first period to open the scoring on the night, but Merzlikins shut the door the rest of the way. Elvis has won three straight starts and is 4-1-2 over his last seven outings, but his 3.22 GAA and .903 save percentage over that stretch remain frustrating for fantasy GMs despite the positive results. |
None |
| March 16, 2022 |
Merzlikins will be between the pipes for Wednesday's road clash with Ottawa, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins is coming off consecutive victories against playoff-caliber teams Minnesota and Vegas in which he gave up just six goals on 65 shots (.908 save percentage). Even with Joonas Korpisalo healthy again as well, the 27-year-old Merzlikins has played in seven of the Jackets' previous eight contests and seems to have cemented himself as the preferred choice in goal. |
None |
| March 13, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start against the visiting Golden Knights on Sunday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - With just one win, a 3.62 GAA and .897 save percentage in his last four starts, Merzlikins probably makes for a shaky start right now. Vegas, however, has lost four of its last five road games despite a 16-11-1 record away from T-Mobile Arena, so Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets could make an interesting underdog option Sunday. |
None |
| March 12, 2022 |
Merzlikins turned aside 36 shots in regulation and overtime and all three shootout attempts he faced in Friday's 3-2 win over the Wild. - Despite a strong effort, Merzlikins very nearly took the loss, but a goal inside the final minute of the third period by Zach Werenski bailed him out and the 27-year-old netminder was perfect in extra time. The win was his 20th of the season, and while his 3.42 GAA and .903 save percentage are far from impressive, Merzlikins stands to be the Blue Jackets' No. 1 goalie for the foreseeable future, especially if Joonas Korpisalo gets moved by the trade deadline. |
None |
| March 11, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the cage Friday against visiting Minnesota, per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch. - Merzlikins has gone 5-3-2 with a 3.67 GAA and .893 save percentage over his last 10 appearances. On the road, the Wild have posted a 17-13-2 record while averaging 3.34 goals for and 31.2 shots on goal, ranking sixth and 15th, respectively. Minnesota also holds the 10th-best road power-play percentage at 23.5. |
None |
| March 7, 2022 |
Merzlikins will defend the blue paint Monday versus visiting Toronto, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. - Merzlikins will make his fifth consecutive start Monday. The 27-year-old has posted a 1-1-2 record with a 3.40 GAA and .905 save percentage over his last four appearances. On the road, Toronto has gone 16-9-3 while averaging 3.86 goals for and 35.1 shots on goal, ranking first and second, respectively. |
None |
| March 5, 2022 |
Merzlikins will patrol the crease Saturday against visiting Boston, per Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda. - Merzlikins will make his fourth consecutive appearance Saturday despite making 39 saves in an overtime loss to the Kings on Friday night. The 27-year-old has gone 3-2-1 with a 3.47 GAA and .905 save percentage over his last five appearances. On the road, Boston has posted a 17-8-3 record alongside averages of 3.11 goals for and 34.6 shots on goal. |
None |
| March 4, 2022 |
Merlikins will defend the cage Friday against visiting Los Angeles, per Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda. - Merzlikins has gone 5-5-0 with a 4.05 GAA and .891 save percentage over his last 10 appearances. On the road, Los Angeles has posted a 15-7-5 record alongside averages of 2.85 goals for and 33.9 shots on goal, ranking 18th and fifth, respectively. The Kings also hold the 10th-worst road power-play percentage with 16.7. |
None |
| March 1, 2022 |
Merzlikins will defend the cage Tuesday against visiting New Jersey, per Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda. - Merzlikins has gone 5-5-0 with a 3.84 GAA and .897 save percentage over his last 10 appearances. New Jersey holds the second-worst road power play at 12.9 percent. As visitors, the Devils have posted a weak 8-16-2 record alongside averages of 3.04 goals for and 31.8 shots on goal, ranking 15th and 12th, respectively. |
None |
| Feb. 27, 2022 |
Merzlikins will guard the home goal during Sunday's matchup with the Penguins, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins wasn't great in his last start Feb. 17 versus the Blackhawks, allowing four goals on 32 shots, but he was still able to come away with a win thanks to fantastic goal support from his teammates. He'll try to pick up his 19th victory of the year in a home matchup with a Pittsburgh team that's 17-6-3 on the road this season. |
None |
| Feb. 24, 2022 |
Merzlikins (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Thursday retroactive to Feb. 17, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - This was mainly a move to clear a roster spot while the Blue Jackets deal with injuries elsewhere on the roster, as Merzlikins could be activated and back in the crease as soon as Friday. While he and Joonas Korpisalo (lower body) are on the shelf, Jean-Francois Berube will continue to start in net for Columbus. |
None |
| Feb. 22, 2022 |
Merzlikins (lower body) will not be in the lineup to face the Leafs on Tuesday, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins' absence, combined with that of Joonas Korpisalo (lower body), will leave Columbus with few options between the pipes, so Jean-Francois Berube will get the starting nod versus Toronto. Prior to getting hurt, the 27-year-old Merzlikins had made six straight appearances for the Jackets in which he went 4-2-0 despite a 4.41 GAA. |
None |
| Feb. 20, 2022 |
Merzlikins suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday's practice that will result in him not participating in Sunday's game against Buffalo, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins exited Saturday's practice early, Scheig adds. Jean-Francois Berube is the only goalie on the roster eligible to start Sunday's game. Over the last six games, Merzlikins has gone 4-2-0 with a 4.41 GAA and .868 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 17, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start between the pipes Thursday in Chicago, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins has posted a 5-5-0 record with a 3.84 GAA and .898 save percentage over his last 10 performances. The Blue Jackets were defeated 4-2 in their last meeting with the Blackhawks on Jan. 11, but Merzlikins did not make an appearance. At home this season, Chicago has gone 8-11-3 alongside averages of 2.23 goals for and 30.7 shots on goal, ranking 31st and 23rd, respectively. |
None |
| Feb. 15, 2022 |
Merzlikins will defend the blue paint Tuesday in Calgary, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. - Merzlikins will make his fifth-consecutive appearance Tuesday. The 27-year-old has posted a 10-9-1 record with a 3.67 GAA and .899 save percentage over his last 20 appearances. At home, Calgary has gone 10-4-4 while averaging 35 shots on goal and 3.28 goals for, ranking eighth and ninth, respectively. Merzlikins stopped 56 of 62 shots in a 6-0 loss to the Flames on Jan 26. |
None |
| Feb. 12, 2022 |
Merzlikins will be between the pipes in Montreal on Saturday, per Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda. - Merzlikins has posted a 16-12-1 record with a 3.39 GAA and .904 save percentage over 29 games this season. At home, the Canadiens have gone 5-15-1 while averaging 31.3 shots on goal and 2.14 goals for, ranking 20th and 32nd, respectively. Columbus defeated Montreal 6-3 in their last meeting Jan. 30, but Merzlikins did not make an appearance. The Canadiens are currently in the midst of an eight-game losing streak. |
None |
| Feb. 10, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start between the pipes Thursday in Buffalo, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins has gone 4-6-0 with a 4.42 GAA and .887 save percentage over his last 10 appearances. The 27-year-old is coming off a 5-4 win over Washington on Tuesday, in which he stopped 29 of 33 shots and snapped his three-game losing streak. At home this season, the Sabres have averaged 30.1 shots on goal and 2.77 goals for alongside a 7-12-3 record, ranking 25th in both categories. Merzlikins did not appear in a 7-4 victory over Buffalo on Nov. 22. |
None |
| Feb. 8, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start between the pipes for Tuesday's road game against Washington, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins has gone 3-7-0 with a 4.43 GAA and an .890 save percentage over his last 10 appearances. The 27-year-old is coming off a brutal 8-4 loss to Florida on Jan. 31 where he stopped 18 of 25 shots. Washington has posted a 12-8-5 record and averaged 3.12 goals for and 31.4 shots on goal at home this season, ranking 15th and 19th, respectively. |
None |
| Feb. 1, 2022 |
Merzlikins made 18 saves on 25 shots in a 8-4 loss to the Panthers on Monday. - Merzlikins has put up clunkers in both of his last two starts now, even if they came five days apart. The 27-year-old netminder is in the midst of the worst slump of his season, with a 1-4-0 record and 5.19 GAA across his last five contests. |
None |
| Jan. 31, 2022 |
Merzlikins will be in goal against the Panthers at home Monday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins has just one win in his previous four contests, including giving up six goals to the Flames on Jan. 26. The netminder's recent struggles saw Joonas Korpisalo start the Jackets' last two contests but the team clearly doesn't want the 27-year-old Merzlikins sitting on the shelf until after the All-Star break. |
None |
| Jan. 26, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start Wednesday's game against the Flames, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - The 27-year-old has alternated wins and losses in seven starts since Dec. 16 and has a 3.43 GAA in that span. Overall, Merzlikins has a 3.06 GAA and .912 save percentage in 25 games this season. |
None |
| Jan. 23, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start in goal Sunday versus the Senators, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins, who hasn't strung together consecutive wins since late November, will look to do so after stopping 33 of 34 shots Thursday in Philadelphia. The 27-year-old has a 3.10 GAA and .910 save percentage through 24 games this season. |
None |
| Jan. 20, 2022 |
Merzlikins will get the starting nod on the road against the Flyers on Thursday, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - Merzlikins will be making his third straight appearance between the pipes, including a 31-save shutout performance versus Carolina on Jan. 13. Still, with the Jackets' heading into a back-to-back, Joonas Korpisalo figures to return to the crease for at least Friday's matchup with Pittsburgh. Looking ahead, fantasy players may want to take a wait-and-see approach to the netminding situation, though Merzlikins has seen a heavier share of the workload since the start of December. |
None |
| Jan. 15, 2022 |
Merzlikins received the starting nod for Saturday's contest versus the Panthers on the road, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins has a 13-8-1 record with a 3.04 GAA and a .911 save percentage over 22 appearances this season. Saturday will be his second consecutive start. The 27-year-old is coming off a shutout 6-0 win over Carolina on Thursday where he stopped all 31 shots on net. The Panthers will be a challenge as they have averaged 4.57 goals and 38.4 shots on goal per game at home in 2021-22, ranking second and first in the league respectively. |
None |
| Jan. 13, 2022 |
Merzlikins will start between the pipes on the road Thursday against Carolina, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. - Merzlikins has posted a 12-8-1 record with a 3.20 GAA and a .907 save percentage this season. This will be his second start of January after a four-game absence due to a lower-body injury. The 27-year-old's last appearance was in relief of Daniil Tarasov against Carolina where he allowed four goals. The Hurricanes have averaged 3.48 goals and 33.55 shots on goal per game in 2021-22. |
None |
| Jan. 11, 2022 |
Merzlikins (lower body) will serve as the backup to Joonas Korpisalo against the Blackhawks on Tuesday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins rejoins the lineup following a three-game stint on the sidelines due to his lower-body issue. With both Merzlikins and Korpisalo available, the duo should be expected to split the workload moving forward. As such, neither netminder figures to offer more than mid-range fantasy value given their inconsistent starts. |
None |
| Jan. 8, 2022 |
Merzlikins (lower body) will not suit up Saturday against the Devils, per the NHL's media site. - Merzlikins has now missed the last three games with his lower-body issue. There hasn't been much information regarding the severity of his injury, so he'll be considered questionable ahead of Tuesday's matchup with Chicago. |
None |
| Jan. 5, 2022 |
Merzlikins (lower body) won't be available for Thursday's game in New Jersey, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - It will be the second straight game Merzlikins misses with the lower-body injury. The 27-year-old, who has a 3.20 GAA and .907 save percentage in 21 games this season, should be considered day-to-day leading up to Saturday's contest versus the Devils. |
None |
| Jan. 4, 2022 |
Merzlikins (lower body) isn't expected to appear in Tuesday night's contest against the Lightning, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov's (groin) absence is putting the Blue Jackets in a pickle regarding who is to guard the crease against Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Likely candidates to step up are Jean-Francois Berube or Cameron Johnson who were added to the taxi squad as emergency options. Coach Brad Larsen didn't mention Joonas Korpisalo, who recently cleared virus protocols, among the player who are likely to miss the upcoming contest with the Lightning. |
None |
| Jan. 3, 2022 |
Merzlikins was absent from Monday's practice due to a lower-body injury, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - With both Joonas Korpisalo (not injury related) and Daniil Tarasov (groin) dealing with issues, losing Merzlikins for even just one game would seriously stretch the Jackets' organizational depth between the pipes. If all three players are out ahead of Tuesday's matchup with Tampa Bay, the team will likely turn to Jean-Francois Berube or Cameron Johnson. |
None |
| Jan. 1, 2022 |
Merzlikins stopped 11 of 15 shots after replacing Daniil Tarasov (lower body) to begin the third period of Saturday's 7-4 loss to the Hurricanes. - The Jackets jumped out to a 4-0 lead midway through the second period, but the 'Canes had already begun the comeback when Tarasov got hurt on Carolina's second goal and wasn't able to return after the second intermission. Merzlikins was called upon to protect a 4-2 lead, but bad bounces, bad positioning and bad defensive play in front of him all conspired to hand the game to the Hurricanes. As a result, Merzlikins got handed the loss, and he now carries a 3.20 GAA and .907 save percentage on the season. |
None |
| Dec. 30, 2021 |
Merzlikins will defend the cage Thursday against Nashville, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins has started six times this December. Over that period, he has a 2-3-1 record with a 4.07 GAA and a .884 save percentage. The last time he dueled with Nashville was in late November, when he allowed three goals in a loss. Merzlikins hasn't recorded three consecutive losses at any point so far this season. |
None |
| Dec. 26, 2021 |
Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets won't play Chicago on Tuesday due to COVID-19 postponements. - As of now, Columbus' next scheduled game is set for Thursday against Nashville. Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets haven't played since Dec. 16. |
None |
| Dec. 24, 2021 |
Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets will not play Toronto on Monday due to COVID-19 postponements. - The Blue Jackets' next scheduled game is Tuesday in Chicago. Merzlikins has allowed 12 goals on 100 shots over his last three outings, going 1-2-0 in the process. |
None |
| Dec. 20, 2021 |
Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets will not duel with the Sabres on either Tuesday or Thursday. - Merzlikins is 2-3-1 with a 4.07 GAA in his previous five matches. He will have to wait until Dec. 27 at the earliest to get his opportunity to defend the cage for the Blue Jackets again. Whenever his next matchup is, he will look to break his current three-game streak with four goals allowed in each contest. |
None |
| Dec. 16, 2021 |
Merzlikins will start in Edmonton on Thursday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - A winner of just one of his last four games, Merzlikins has been dreadful since Nov. 30, as his .876 save percentage and 4.23 GAA over a six-game span suggests. Things won't get any easier Thursday against superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl -- who have combined for 90 points in 27 games this season. |
None |
| Dec. 14, 2021 |
Merzlikins will be in goal versus Vancouver on the road Tuesday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins has managed two wins in his last four contests despite posting a 3.73 GAA and .885 save percentage. If the netminder continues to underperform, it could open the door for Joonas Korpisalo to steal some additional starts down the stretch. |
None |
| Dec. 11, 2021 |
Merzlikins will start in Seattle on Saturday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins is 1-2-1 with a 4.40 GAA and .869 save percentage over his last four starts, making him tough to recommend -- even against the 27th-place Kraken. He'll be opposed at the other end of the rink by Philipp Grubauer. |
None |
| Dec. 9, 2021 |
Merzlikins will be between the pipes at home against Anaheim on Thursday, Bailey Johnson of The Columbus Dispatch reports. - In his prior four contests, Merzlikins is 2-2-0 with a 4.88 GAA, including getting the hook twice in those outings. Still, the backstop has racked up 10 wins in 15 appearances this year despite posting a career-worst .915 save percentage. Once Joonas Korpisalo (illness) is cleared to play, Merzlikins will likely have to return to splitting the netminding duties. |
None |
| Dec. 7, 2021 |
Merzlikins will patrol the crease during Tuesday's road game versus the Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins wasn't great in his last start Sunday against San Jose, surrendering four goals on 34 shots, but he was still able to come away with his 10th win of the season thanks to strong goal support from his teammates. The 27-year-old goaltender will try to secure a second straight victory in a road matchup with a Toronto team that's 10-3-1 at home this year. |
None |
| Dec. 5, 2021 |
Merzlikins will guard the home goal during Sunday's matchup with the Sharks, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins was awful in his last start Tuesday against the Predators, surrendering three goals on just nine shots before being replaced by Joonas Korpisalo midway through the first period of the eventual 6-0 loss. He'll try to put that poor performance behind him and secure his 10th win of the year in a home matchup with a San Jose squad that's averaging 2.64 goals per game on the road this season, 18th in the NHL. |
None |
| Dec. 2, 2021 |
Merzlikins is questionable for Thursday's matchup with Dallas due to a non-COVID illness. - In addition to Merzlikins, Joonas Korpisalo is also under the weather and won't be an option versus the Stars. As such, the team promoted AHL netminder Daniil Tarasov from the minors and may task him to start Thursday if Marzlikins is unable to play. |
None |
| Nov. 30, 2021 |
Merzlikins will start between the pipes in Tuesday's road matchup with Nashville, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins has been razor sharp recently, picking up back-to-back wins over the Jets and the Canucks while posting a highly impressive 1.00 GAA and .974 save percentage. The 27-year-old Latvian netminder will try to extend his winning streak to three games in a road matchup with a Predators team that's averaging 2.60 goals per game at home this year, 24th in the NHL. |
None |
| Nov. 26, 2021 |
Merzlikins will start Friday's home game against the Canucks, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. - Merzlikins is coming off a 36-save shutout against the Jets on Wednesday, which improved his record to 8-3-0 along with a 2.44 GAA and .926 save percentage. He'll have a nice opportunity to improve those marks further against a Canucks team that's off to a 6-12-2 start. Vancouver's averaging only 2.30 goals per game -- fifth-fewest in the league. |
None |
| Nov. 24, 2021 |
Merzlikins will tend the twine for Wednesday's home clash with the Jets, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins has managed a 2-2-0 record in his last four matches despite posting a disappointing 3.76 GAA. Even with the 27-year-old Latvian struggling, the Jackets appear set to roll with him ahead of Joonas Korpisalo, though an upcoming back-to-back versus Vancouver and St. Louis on Friday and Saturday, respectively, should give both netminders the opportunity to play. |
None |
| Nov. 20, 2021 |
Merzlikins will tend the twine on the road against Vegas on Saturday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports. - Merzlikins has posted a subpar 3.97 GAA and .876 save percentage in his previous three starts but has still managed to secure wins in two of those contests. A clash with the Golden Knights isn't exactly the best matchup for a netminder that is struggling to keep pucks out of the net, so fantasy players may want to consider alternative goalie options. |
None |
| Nov. 18, 2021 |
Merzlikins will defend the blue paint during Thursday's road game versus the Coyotes, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins wasn't great in his last start Monday against the Red Wings, surrendering three goals on just 27 shots, but he was ultimately able to come away with his sixth win of the season thanks to strong goal support from his teammates. The 27-year-old netminder will try to secure a second straight victory in a favorable road matchup with an Arizona team that's 1-4-0 at home this year. |
None |
| Nov. 15, 2021 |
Merzlikins will start Monday's home game against the Red Wings, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. - Merzlikins struggled against the Rangers in his last start, but he's been lights out against all non-Rangers opponents this season; Merzlikins is 0-2 with nine goals allowed against New York and 5-0 with eight goals allowed facing anyone else. The visiting Red Wings might finally be turning a corner in their lengthy rebuild, as they're 8-6-2 this season despite a minus-4 goal differential. |
None |
| Nov. 14, 2021 |
Merzlikins made 36 saves in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Rangers. - The Jackets took a 2-1 lead early in the second period, but Merzlikins couldn't make it hold up as the Blueshirts scored three goals in 63 seconds a little later in the frame. The 27-year-old netminder has had a couple stumbles this season -- he's 5-0-0 when allowing two goals or less, and 0-2-0 when he doesn't -- but the overall results have been good as Merzlikins sports a 2.42 GAA and .929 save percentage through his seven appearances. |
None |
| Nov. 13, 2021 |
Merzlikins will patrol the crease during Saturday's home game versus the Rangers, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. - Merzlikins played well in his last start last Saturday against the Avalanche, stopping 34 of 36 shots en route to a 4-2 win. The 27-year-old backstop will try to pick up his sixth victory of the year in a home matchup with a Rangers squad that's averaging 2.44 goals per game on the road this year, 20th in the NHL. |
None |
| Nov. 6, 2021 |
Merzlikins registered 34 saves in a 4-2 victory over Colorado on Saturday. - Three Columbus goals in the final 6:23 of the third period turned a 2-1 deficit into a victory for Merzlikins, who got himself back into the win column after having his four-game winning streak snapped last Friday. The 27-year-old netminder owns a sensational 1.98 GAA and .940 save percentage over his first six appearances. |
None |
| May 5, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 30 of 32 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-2 win over the Predators on Wednesday. The victory pushed him to 8-12-5 on the season with a 2.77 GAA and .916 save percentage. |
None |
| May 3, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 34 of 38 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 overtime loss to the Predators on Monday. The defeat dropped him to 7-12-5 on the season with a 2.80 GAA and .916 save percentage. |
None |
| May 1, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 31 of 33 shots in the Blue Jackets' 2-1 overtime loss to the Hurricanes on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 7-12-4 on the season with a 2.75 GAA and .917 save percentage. |
None |
| April 27, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped all 41 shots he faced in the Blue Jackets' 1-0 shootout win over the Red Wings on Tuesday for his second shutout of the year. The victory pushed him to 7-12-3 on the season with a 2.80 GAA and .916 save percentage. |
None |
| April 25, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 7 of 8 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 overtime loss to the Lightning on Sunday. The defeat dropped him to 6-12-3 on the season with a 2.94 GAA and .910 save percentage. |
None |
| April 22, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 25 of 27 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-1 loss to the Lightning on Thursday. The defeat dropped him to 6-12-2 on the season with a 2.93 GAA and .911 save percentage. |
None |
| April 19, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 35 of 38 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-2 loss to the Panthers on Monday. The defeat dropped him to 6-11-2 on the season with a 2.98 GAA and .910 save percentage. |
None |
| April 17, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 15 of 16 shots in the Blue Jackets' 5-1 loss to the Stars on Saturday. Merzlikins did not factor in the decision and remained at 6-10-2 on the season with a 2.97 GAA and .910 save percentage. |
None |
| April 15, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 27 of 31 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-1 loss to the Stars on Thursday. The defeat dropped him to 6-10-2 on the season with a 2.99 GAA and .909 save percentage. |
None |
| April 10, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 24 of 28 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 loss to the Blackhawks on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 6-9-2 on the season with a 2.93 GAA and .911 save percentage. |
None |
| April 8, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 21 of 24 shots in the Blue Jackets' 6-4 loss to the Lightning on Thursday. The defeat dropped him to 6-8-2 on the season with a 2.86 GAA and .914 save percentage. |
None |
| April 3, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 22 of 25 shots in the Blue Jackets' 5-2 loss to the Panthers on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 6-7-2 on the season with a 2.83 GAA and .916 save percentage. |
None |
| April 1, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 31 of 34 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 loss to the Lightning on Thursday. The defeat dropped him to 6-6-2 on the season with a 2.75 GAA and .917 save percentage. |
None |
| March 30, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 37 of 38 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-1 win over the Lightning on Tuesday. The victory pushed him to 6-5-2 on the season with a 2.72 GAA and .918 save percentage. |
None |
| March 28, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 25 of 27 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-1 loss to the Red Wings on Sunday. The defeat dropped him to 5-5-2 on the season with a 2.86 GAA and .913 save percentage. |
None |
| March 27, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 31 of 34 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-1 loss to the Red Wings on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 5-4-2 on the season with a 2.93 GAA and .912 save percentage. |
None |
| March 20, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 35 of 37 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 shootout win over the Hurricanes on Saturday. The victory pushed him to 5-3-2 on the season with a 2.91 GAA and .912 save percentage. |
None |
| March 13, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 27 of 30 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 overtime win over the Stars on Saturday. The victory pushed him to 4-3-2 on the season with a 3.02 GAA and .908 save percentage. |
None |
| March 11, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 27 of 32 shots in the Blue Jackets' 5-4 overtime loss to the Panthers on Thursday. The defeat dropped him to 3-3-2 on the season with a 3.05 GAA and .908 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 23, 2021 |
Merzlikins (upper body) was activated off injured reserve Monday. |
Merzlikins, who last played on Feb. 20, is 3-3-1 with a 2.81 goals-against average in nine appearances this season. |
| Feb. 20, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 35 of 39 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-2 loss to the Predators on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 3-3-1 on the season with a 2.81 GAA and .917 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 18, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped all 32 shots he faced in the Blue Jackets' 3-0 win over the Predators on Thursday for his first shutout of the year. The victory pushed him to 3-2-1 on the season with a 2.51 GAA and .920 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 15, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 7 of 9 shots in the Blue Jackets' 7-3 loss to the Hurricanes on Monday. Merzlikins did not factor in the decision and remained at 2-2-1 on the season with a 2.95 GAA and .906 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 4, 2021 |
Merzlikins (upper-body injury) was activated off IR before Thursday's game at Chicago and will back up Joonas Korpisalo. |
Merzlikins has gone 2-2-1 with a 2.76 goals-against average and .913 save percentage in six appearances. He last played on Feb. 2. |
| Feb. 2, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 9 of 9 shots in the Blue Jackets' 6-3 loss to the Stars on Tuesday. Merzlikins did not factor in the decision and remained at 2-2-1 on the season with a 2.76 GAA and .913 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 31, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 33 of 36 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-1 loss to the Blackhawks on Sunday. The defeat dropped him to 2-2-1 on the season with a 2.99 GAA and .908 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 28, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 33 of 35 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 shootout win over the Panthers on Thursday. The victory pushed him to 2-1-1 on the season with a 2.94 GAA and .906 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 23, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 30 of 32 shots in the Blue Jackets' 5-2 win over the Lightning on Saturday. The victory pushed him to 1-1-1 on the season with a 3.34 GAA and .891 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 19, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 24 of 27 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 overtime loss to the Red Wings on Tuesday. The defeat dropped him to 0-1-1 on the season with a 4.01 GAA and .867 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 16, 2021 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 28 of 33 shots in the Blue Jackets' 5-2 loss to the Predators on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 0-1-0 on the season with a 5.00 GAA and .848 save percentage. |
None |
| Aug. 9, 2020 |
Merzlikins (undisclosed) remained sidelined for the Blue Jackets' five-game loss to the Lightning in the first-round of the playoffs. |
Merzlikins made his first start in the qualifying round series with Toronto on Aug. 7 when the Maple Leafs pulled off a stunning rally to stay alive, then was unavailable for the decisive Game 5 win. |
| Aug. 7, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 49 of 53 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 loss to the Maple Leafs on Friday. The defeat dropped him to 1-1-0 on the season with a 1.96 GAA and .946 save percentage. |
None |
| Aug. 6, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 21 of 21 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 win over the Maple Leafs on Thursday. The victory pushed him to 1-0-0 on the season with a 0.00 GAA and 1.000 save percentage. |
None |
| March 8, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 26 of 27 shots in the Blue Jackets' 2-1 win over the Canucks on Sunday. The victory pushed him to 13-9-8 on the season with a 2.35 GAA and .923 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 24, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 16 of 18 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 overtime loss to the Senators on Monday. Merzlikins did not factor in the decision and remained at 12-9-8 on the season with a 2.39 GAA and .922 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 22, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 33 of 36 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 shootout loss to the Predators on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 12-9-8 on the season with a 2.37 GAA and .922 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 20, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 29 of 33 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 overtime loss to the Flyers on Thursday. The defeat dropped him to 12-9-7 on the season with a 2.35 GAA and .922 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 18, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 8 of 12 shots in the Blue Jackets' 5-1 loss to the Flyers on Tuesday. The defeat dropped him to 12-9-6 on the season with a 2.29 GAA and .924 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 16, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 23 of 26 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 shootout loss to the Devils on Sunday. The defeat dropped him to 12-8-6 on the season with a 2.20 GAA and .928 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 14, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 25 of 27 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-1 loss to the Rangers on Friday. The defeat dropped him to 12-8-5 on the season with a 2.18 GAA and .930 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 10, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 28 of 30 shots in the Blue Jackets' 2-1 overtime loss to the Lightning on Monday. The defeat dropped him to 12-7-5 on the season with a 2.19 GAA and .930 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 8, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 20 of 22 shots in the Blue Jackets' 2-1 loss to the Avalanche on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 12-7-4 on the season with a 2.19 GAA and .930 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 7, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped all 16 shots he faced in the Blue Jackets' 2-0 win over the Red Wings on Friday for his fifth shutout of the year. The victory pushed him to 12-6-4 on the season with a 2.20 GAA and .930 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 4, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped all 32 shots he faced in the Blue Jackets' 1-0 overtime win over the Panthers on Tuesday for his fourth shutout of the year. The victory pushed him to 11-6-4 on the season with a 2.30 GAA and .929 save percentage. |
None |
| Feb. 2, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 27 of 30 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 win over the Canadiens on Sunday. The victory pushed him to 10-6-4 on the season with a 2.42 GAA and .925 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 22, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 27 of 30 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 win over the Jets on Wednesday. The victory pushed him to 9-6-4 on the season with a 2.39 GAA and .926 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 18, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped all 41 shots he faced in the Blue Jackets' 5-0 win over the Devils on Saturday for his third shutout of the year. The victory pushed him to 8-6-4 on the season with a 2.36 GAA and .928 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 16, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 32 of 34 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 win over the Hurricanes on Thursday. The victory pushed him to 7-6-4 on the season with a 2.50 GAA and .922 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 14, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped all 34 shots he faced in the Blue Jackets' 3-0 win over the Bruins on Tuesday for his second shutout of the year. The victory pushed him to 6-6-4 on the season with a 2.53 GAA and .921 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 11, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped all 27 shots he faced in the Blue Jackets' 3-0 win over the Golden Knights on Saturday for his first shutout of the year. The victory pushed him to 5-6-4 on the season with a 2.70 GAA and .915 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 9, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 30 of 33 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-1 loss to the Sharks on Thursday. The defeat dropped him to 4-6-4 on the season with a 2.89 GAA and .910 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 7, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 37 of 40 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 win over the Ducks on Tuesday. The victory pushed him to 4-5-4 on the season with a 2.87 GAA and .910 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 6, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 35 of 37 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-2 win over the Kings on Monday. The victory pushed him to 3-5-4 on the season with a 2.86 GAA and .908 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 4, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 25 of 28 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 loss to the Sharks on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 2-5-4 on the season with a 2.94 GAA and .904 save percentage. |
None |
| Jan. 2, 2020 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 25 of 26 shots in the Blue Jackets' 2-1 overtime win over the Bruins on Thursday. The victory pushed him to 2-4-4 on the season with a 2.92 GAA and .905 save percentage. |
None |
| Dec. 31, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 36 of 37 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-1 win over the Panthers on Tuesday. The victory pushed him to 1-4-4 on the season with a 3.14 GAA and .900 save percentage. |
None |
| Dec. 29, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 0 of 0 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 shootout loss to the Blackhawks on Sunday. The defeat dropped him to 0-4-4 on the season with a 3.41 GAA and .889 save percentage. |
None |
| Dec. 14, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 6 of 8 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 overtime loss to the Senators on Saturday. Merzlikins did not factor in the decision and remained at 0-4-3 on the season with a 3.41 GAA and .889 save percentage. |
None |
| Dec. 7, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 23 of 26 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-1 loss to the Panthers on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 0-4-3 on the season with a 3.30 GAA and .894 save percentage. |
None |
| Nov. 30, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 25 of 27 shots in the Blue Jackets' 2-0 loss to the Islanders on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 0-3-3 on the season with a 3.34 GAA and .895 save percentage. |
None |
| Nov. 23, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 27 of 31 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 loss to the Jets on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 0-2-3 on the season with a 3.54 GAA and .890 save percentage. |
None |
| Nov. 12, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 30 of 32 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 shootout loss to the Canadiens on Tuesday. The defeat dropped him to 0-1-3 on the season with a 3.42 GAA and .894 save percentage. |
None |
| Nov. 1, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 23 of 27 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 overtime loss to the Blues on Friday. The defeat dropped him to 0-1-2 on the season with a 3.90 GAA and .882 save percentage. |
None |
| Oct. 30, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 19 of 19 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-1 loss to the Oilers on Wednesday. Merzlikins did not factor in the decision and remained at 0-1-1 on the season with a 3.86 GAA and .891 save percentage. |
None |
| Oct. 18, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 30 of 33 shots in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 overtime loss to the Blackhawks on Friday. The defeat dropped him to 0-1-1 on the season with a 4.99 GAA and .863 save percentage. |
None |
| Oct. 5, 2019 |
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 33 of 40 shots in the Blue Jackets' 7-2 loss to the Penguins on Saturday. The defeat dropped him to 0-1-0 on the season with a 7.00 GAA and .825 save percentage. |
None |
